Nana Patekar's charitable heart

By: Upula KBR, Mid-Day
Monday, July 16, 2007
Actor Nana Patekar gave away Rs. three lakh to a needy soul for his bypass surgery Nana Patekar is known as a tough-talking star but when it comes to helping others he's got a soft heart. While shooting for Anees Bazmee's Welcome, when Nana heard about an old man's illness, he immediately signed a cheque for him.

A unit member says, "Nana and unit members were sitting and chatting when one of Anees's assistant directors, Bittu Chandok, mentioned about his uncle Avtaar Singh's (in Chandigarh) ill-health and his requirement of three lakh rupees for his bypass surgery. His uncle had been ill for quiet some time but being a poor farmer, could not afford the treatment. When Nana heard about it, he immediately signed a cheque for Avtaar Singh."

Kind-hearted

When contacted, Nana tries to brush it off. "There are certain things you do for your own satisfaction and you do not disclose. I am not helping others but myself. I am happy to do it. Avtaar Singh is my father's age and so it's like doing something for my own father. Bittu's uncle needed help and I was happy to be of some help. I hope the surgery has been done and the operation went well."

Helping myself

Is it true that he gave three lakh as donation for the surgery? "There is no word like donation. I am helping myself," says Nana and adds, "At one time, I didn't have anything. Everything that I own today came from the people. I owe something to them and I am giving it back to them. It doesn't matter whether it is for a community or religion. I was also like them once.

Everything doesn't begin and end with money. I have good friends, family and a wonderful country. What will I do with so much money? At the end, jaane ki liye sirf 12 kilo lakdi chahiye aur kuch nahin... khaali-haath hi toh jaana hai." Is he with any NGO or charitable organisation? "No. I just do what my heart says," says Nana.

Nana Patekar's next releases are Welcome and Bharati Raja's Cinema. Welcome also stars Feroz Khan, Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif.