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Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Did you know Nana Patekar's wife Neelakanti is a National Award-winning Marathi actress who made her comeback through Vicky Kaushal starrer Chhaava?
has been a formidable presence in Indian cinema since his debut in 1978 with Garman. Known for his intense and versatile performances, he has established himself as one of the industry's most respected actors. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Yet, many might not know about his equally talented wife, Neelakanti Patekar—a National Award-winning actress celebrated for her impactful work in Marathi cinema. Neelakanti Patekar had taken a long break from the film industry, but she made a powerful return with the and Rashmika Mandanna-led Chhaava. Her impactful performance won widespread acclaim, marking a successful comeback and bringing her back into the spotlight. Early Life, Theatre Success & Personal Life Born in Pune, Maharashtra, Neelakanti grew up moving between cities because her father worked in the central excise department. Despite clearing the IIT entrance exam and her father encouraging her to pursue physics, she followed her true passion for acting. After finishing school, she dedicated herself to the craft and actively took part in numerous plays, laying the foundation for her career. Neelakanti began her acting journey as a child artist in plays back in 1966 and went on to make a lasting impact on Marathi theatre throughout her celebrated career. She earned several accolades, including a gold medal for Best Actress at the Maharashtra State Drama Competition in 1973. Additionally, she received the Best Actress award from the Maharashtra State Government for her performance in the film Aatm Vishwas in 1989. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Neelakanti and Nana Patekar's love story Neelakanti and Nana Patekar's love story started during a Marathi play, where their friendship soon blossomed into love. They married in 1978 when Nana was 27. A few years later, they welcomed their first son, who tragically passed away at just two and a half years old. Later, the couple was blessed with another son, Malhar. Despite her early success and talent, Neelakanti chose to step back from acting to focus on her marriage. However, reports suggest that over time, she and Nana Patekar developed 'irreconcilable differences' and began living separately, even while remaining legally married. In later interviews, Nana acknowledged that their relationship was marked more by mutual respect than emotional closeness. A Powerful Comeback in Chhaava After nearly a decade away from the screen, Neelakanti made a striking comeback with Vicky Kaushal's historical drama Chhaava. Her powerful portrayal of Dharau reignited audience admiration, showcasing her enduring talent and commanding screen presence. Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava tells the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the brave son of . Vicky Kaushal stars in the lead role, with portraying Yesubai Bhonsale. The film also boasts powerful performances from , , and Divya Dutta.
India.com
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet Nana Patekar's wife, quit IIT for films, won many awards, left acting after..., made a comeback with blockbuster film, her name is...
Screen grab from Agnisakshi (1996) Nana Patekar is one of the most respected and enigmatic figures in both Marathi and Bollywood cinema. He made debut in 1978 with the film Garman , and gradually established himself as one of the most versatile actors through terrific performances in movies like Salaam Bombay, Parinda, Krantiveer, Prahaar: The Final Attack, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Angaar, Agni Sakshi, and Khamoshi: The Musical (1996) . While a lot is known about the National Award winner, but quite less information is out there about his wife Neelakanti Patekar. Nana and Neelakanti first during a Marathi play where she was a bank officer, receiving a salary of two and a half thousand rupees. Soon, their friendship blossomed into love, and they decided to tie the knot in 1978. After few years, they stepped into parenthood as their first born son, who tragically passed away at the age of two and a half. Later, the couple was blessed with another son, whom they lovingly named Malhar. Born in Pune, Maharashtra, Neelakanti's father was in central excise department due to which she had spent most of her childhood in different cities, as her father used to get recurrently transferred. A graduate in Physics, she sat for IIT entrance due to her father's insistence, and was succeeded with a top score. However, her inclination was always towards acting, and she actively worked in many plays thereafter. Neelakanti won many awards for her immense contribution in theatre and films. She bagged Gold Medal for best actress in the Maharashtra State Drama Competition 1973. Moreover, in 1989, she also won Best actress award from the Maharashtra State Government for film Aatm Vishwas . She starred as a lead actress, opposite Sachin Pilgaonkar who directed the film himself. Neelam, however, stepped away from acting to focus on her marital life. In 2024, she made a powerful comeback in Vicky Kaushal's historical drama Chhava . With her impeccable portrayal of Dharau, she made an impactful return to the silver screen after nearly a decade.
