Ali Fazal mourns Nana Patekar: 'One of the best meals I've had'
Synopsis
In one of the most personal tributes to emerge following Nana Patekar's death on 8 October 2026, Ali Fazal revealed the veteran had cooked for him at home — 'one of the best meals I've had' — and had promised to bless his newborn daughter just weeks before his fatal cardiac arrest at 75.
Key Takeaways
Veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away on 8 October 2026 at age 75 following a cardiac arrest.
He was reportedly found unconscious at home and rushed to Manipal Hospital , where CPR attempts were made.
Actor Ali Fazal shared an emotional tribute recalling Patekar cooking for him — calling it 'one of the best meals' he had ever had.
Patekar had reportedly promised to visit Fazal's home to bless his daughter, Zuneyra Ida Fazal , just weeks before his death.
Fazal and Patekar worked together in the 2022 comedy-drama Tadka , directed by Prakash Raj .
Actor Ali Fazal has paid an emotional tribute to late veteran actor Nana Patekar, recalling a cherished memory of the legendary star cooking a meal for him at his home. Nana Patekar passed away on 8 October 2026 at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest, leaving the Indian film industry in mourning.
A Personal Memory That Stays
In a heartfelt post shared on social media, Ali Fazal wrote about the profound warmth Nana Patekar showed him beyond the camera. 'I still remember how fondly you cooked for me in your home.. one of the best meals I've had,' the Fukrey actor wrote, reflecting on a gesture that clearly left a lasting impression.
Fazal also revealed that just weeks before the veteran's sudden passing, Nana Patekar had promised to visit his home to bless his daughter, Zuneyra Ida Fazal. 'Just a few weeks ago you said, you'll come home to bless my daughter.. I am heartbroken today on hearing news of you leaving us like this,' he wrote.
The Full Tribute
Sharing a photograph with Nana Patekar, Ali Fazal penned a moving farewell: 'Its a dent in world cinema and a chance missed for all the actors who never got a chance to share notes with you on screen. Your aura and your personality resonated far beyond your acting skills. I know how much you cared for this country. We will miss you dearly. Thank you being the guiding light.. our conversations remain undone.. but I know this — wherever you are, that world is going to be lucky to have you.. take care sir.' He signed off with 'With love, Ali.'
Their Shared Work on Screen
Ali Fazal and Nana Patekar shared screen space in the 2022 comedy-drama Tadka, directed by Prakash Raj. The film also featured Shriya Saran and Taapsee in key roles. The collaboration gave Fazal an opportunity to observe Patekar's craft up close — a privilege he now describes as invaluable.
How Nana Patekar Passed Away
Nana Patekar was reportedly found unconscious at his residence and was rushed to Manipal Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him through CPR. He was declared dead following the cardiac arrest. His death at 75 has drawn tributes from across the entertainment world, with colleagues describing him as one of the most formidable actors Indian cinema has produced.
As the film fraternity comes to terms with the loss, Ali Fazal's tribute stands out for its intimacy — a reminder that behind the celebrated on-screen persona was a man generous enough to cook for a friend.
Point of View
But Fazal's words reveal a man of quiet generosity off it. Indian cinema rarely pauses long enough to capture that side of its legends — and that is its own kind of loss.
NationPress
8 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Nana Patekar pass away?
Nana Patekar passed away on 8 October 2026 at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was reportedly found unconscious at his home and was rushed to Manipal Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him through CPR.
What did Ali Fazal say in his tribute to Nana Patekar?
Ali Fazal shared an emotional tribute on social media, recalling how Nana Patekar had cooked for him at his home, calling it 'one of the best meals I've had.' He also revealed that Patekar had promised to visit and bless his daughter just weeks before his death.
Did Ali Fazal and Nana Patekar work together in any film?
Yes, the two shared screen space in the 2022 comedy-drama Tadka, directed by Prakash Raj. The film also featured Shriya Saran and Taapsee in key roles.
Who is Zuneyra Ida Fazal?
Zuneyra Ida Fazal is the daughter of actor Ali Fazal. In his tribute, Fazal revealed that Nana Patekar had promised to come to his home to bless her just weeks before his sudden passing.
Why is Nana Patekar's death significant for Indian cinema?
Nana Patekar was widely regarded as one of the most powerful and versatile actors in Indian film history. Ali Fazal described his death as 'a dent in world cinema,' noting it was a missed opportunity for actors who never got to work alongside him.
