Who is Nana Patekar's son Malhar Patekar? His education, qualification and career

Nana Patekar spent more than four decades in front of the camera, becoming one of the most recognisable actors in Hindi and Marathi cinema. But his son Malhar Patekar chose a considerably quieter path and while he has been associated with films both as an actor and a filmmaker, he has mostly stayed away from the celebrity spotlight.

Malhar was among the family members who confirmed Nana Patekar’s death on Thursday, October 8. The veteran actor died at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa.

Malhar Patekar, spoke about carrying forward the late actor’s legacy of social work, saying that people like him live forever through their work. As per reports by IANS, he recalled his father’s belief in uniting for humanity and improving lives, with their initiatives spanning Maharashtra and other parts of India, including Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in education and healthcare. Malhar also said that his father had delegated responsibilities to people capable of doing justice to the work. He added that Nana wanted to start afresh and dedicate his life to places where his social work was needed. Malhar pledged to complete his father’s unfinished work, saying he would ensure their shared dreams of serving people were fulfilled.

Who is Malhar Patekar?

Malhar is the son of Nana Patekar and Marathi actress Neelakanti Patekar. The couple got married in the year 1978 after meeting through theatre and later had two sons, Durvasa and Malhar. Their elder son, Durvasa, died at a young age after an illness, which lefte Malhar as their only surviving child.

Nana and Neelakanti later lived separately for several years because of personal differences, although reports say they remained legally married.

Unlike his father, Malhar has maintained a low public profile as he rarely gives interviews or makes public appearances and is away from the celebrity circuit.

Where did Malhar Patekar study?

According to News18, Malhar studied at Mumbai’s Saraswati Mandir High School before he chose his higher education in commerce field.

He later developed an interest in filmmaking and chose to explore how things worked behind the camera. Rather than pursuing the conventional path of a star child being launched as an actor, he became associated with filmmaking and worked as an assistant director.

Malhar’s work behind the camera

One of Malhar’s notable work as a filmmaker came with Ram Gopal Varma’s The Attacks of 26/11, the 2013 film based on the Mumbai terror attacks.

Malhar was an assistant director on the project and the film also featured his father Nana Patekar, who played the role of a police officer.

He has also reportedly been associated with production and is said to have established a production house called Nana Saheb Production House.

Malhar Patekar also acted as a child

Although Malhar eventually moved towards filmmaking, he appeared as a child artist in Prahaar: The Final Attack, the 1991 military drama directed by and starring his father. Nana Patekar had undergone military training with the Maratha Light Infantry while preparing for his role in the film.

Malhar later returned to acting as an adult. His credits include the 2014 Hindi film The Little Godfather, directed by Joy Augustine, in which he appeared in a supporting role alongside actor Angad Bedi.

Despite these acting credits, Malhar did not pursue the kind of mainstream acting career associated with many star children.

Meanwhile Nana Patekar’s last rites are scheduled to be held at the family’s farmhouse in Donje village near Pune, according to Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi.

Nana Patekar's last rites in Pune

Nana Patekar was cremated at his farmhouse in Donje village, Pune, on Thursday, as mourners chanted “Nana Amar Rahe”. His son, Malhar, performed the last rites by lighting the funeral pyre. As per reports, associates said the actor had expressed a wish to be cremated at his farmhouse.

Several members of the film industry, including actors Jackie Shroff and Anil Sharma and producer Sajid Nadiadwala, were present to pay their final respects. Political leaders also attended the last rites. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited to offer his condolences, while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also paid tribute to the late actor.