‎Farooq mourns Nana Patekar, recalls Bond with Actor

‎Srinagar, Oct 08 : National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday expressed grief over the demise of veteran Bollywood actor Nana Patekar, recalling his association with the actor and describing him as a close friend and a compassionate person who devoted much of his life to helping the poor and needy.
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‎Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said Patekar was not only an accomplished actor but also a person deeply connected with people facing hardships. He said the actor had spent considerable time among tribal communities and made efforts to assist those in need.
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‎Recalling his personal association with Patekar, Abdullah said the actor had visited him on several occasions. He recalled taking Patekar from Kupwara to Gurez by helicopter during one of his visits to the region.
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‎“He used to come here again and again and meet me,” Abdullah said, recalling another occasion when he met the actor at a wedding and had the opportunity to dance with him.
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‎Abdullah said Patekar possessed a rare sensitivity towards people and their difficulties and never allowed religious considerations to come in the way of his concern for those suffering.
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‎“He never looked at religion. He used to look at the sorrows of the people and their pain,” Abdullah said, adding that the actor tried to alleviate their difficulties as much as he could.
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‎The NC president said he was deeply saddened after hearing the news of Patekar’s death in the morning. He said the actor had recently completed the shooting of his last film in Goa.
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‎Describing Patekar as an “excellent actor”, Abdullah said the veteran had demonstrated his versatility through his performances and expressed confidence that his final film would also be remembered.
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‎Abdullah offered prayers for the departed soul and said Patekar’s contribution to cinema and his service to people would ensure that his memory continued to live on.
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‎“He will be remembered,” Abdullah said.(KNS)