Mehul Kumar recently, in an interview, revealed the condition Nana Patekar had put forward to work in the film, 'Tirangaa'.
Vishwanath Patekar, whom we lovingly know as Nana Patekar, is an Indian actor and filmmaker who predominantly worked in Hindi and Marathi cinema. Widely regarded as one of the most spectacular and influential actors in Indian cinema, the actor has received several accolades. However, there was a time when he was known for having a difficult attitude on set.
Nana Patekar was not the only actor known for his difficult nature; Raaj Kumar was right beside him. However, things got difficult when filmmaker, Mehul Kumar decided to cast them together in his 1993 film, Tirangaa, despite being warned against it by several people. Now, in a recent interview on the YouTube channel, Shreshth Bharat, the director has opened up about what went down during the casting of the film.
Mehul Kumar sat for a candid conversation and revealed that Nana Patekar had actually put forth a condition if the director wanted to cast him. He recalled that when he cast Nana, he was instantly onboard and told him that he liked the film and his character, but he had a condition. Mehul shared that Nana had stated that he would only do the film if Raaj Kumar had no interference in it. Otherwise, he would leave and won't return. He was quoted saying:
"When I cast Nana, he told me that the subject is great, the title is good, and I like my character, so I am ready to work, but if Raaj Kumar interferes, then I will leave the set and I won’t come back. He put forth that condition."
However, when Mehul Kumar called Raaj Kumar to share his decision, the actor asked him why he would sign Nana Patekar. Mehul recalled that Raaj had told him that Nana abused and got into fights with people on set. The actor was not pleased by the director's decision. Mehul recalled his conversation with Raaj and stated:
"I called Raaj Kumar. I told him I have finalised Nana Patekar. He said, 'Nana abuses on set, beats people up, why did you sign him?'"
In the same interview, Mehul Kumar recalled his conversation with Raaj Kumar. He revealed that when he told him about the condition Nana Patekar had put forward, the actor said that while he doesn't believe that he interferes, he won't say anything. Mehul added that he had to assure Raaj that Nana had given him his word and that he wouldn't cause a scene on the set of the film. However, things changed between Raaj and Nana during the shoot of the song, Peele Peele. The two became friends after that. Mehul recalled the instance and stated:
"I told him what Nana said that if Raaj saab interfers, then I will leave the set,' Mehul, when do I interfere? If you say okay, then I don’t say anything. This is our third film together.' After I shot the song 'Peele peele', they became friends."
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What are your thoughts on Mehul Kumar's revelations?
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