‘He was the same on and off screen’ – Basit Ali remembers late Nana Patekar’s years of friendship and support

Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali shared an emotional tribute to veteran actor Nana Patekar following his death from cardiac arrest at age 75. Basit reflected on their three-decade friendship, which began in 1994, highlighting that the two maintained regular contact and spoke once or twice every month despite living in different countries.

Basit recalled how Patekar provided consistent personal support during difficult times, including calling weekly while Basit's mother was hospitalized and offering comfort after her passing. Patekar also checked on Basit following his heart surgery and stent placement. Patekar's last rites were performed with full state honors at his Donje farmhouse near Khadakwasla.