Veteran actor Nana Patekar, who passed away early on Thursday morning, was never a conventional Bollywood superstar. A self-made actor with no industry connections, he rose from a humble background through sheer talent. In an interview, Patekar recalled walking about eight kilometres after school to Chunabhatti in Mumbai, where he painted film posters.
He earned Rs 35 a month and got one meal a day.
Patekar had said his family’s financial situation changed sharply after his father lost his property. His reported wealth was not limited to his earnings from cinema. The experience of hunger and financial insecurity stayed with him for years. That early struggle was a long way from the wealth he would eventually accumulate through a career spanning Hindi and Marathi cinema. Nana Patekar often spoken about a childhood marked by financial hardships. His earnings grew with his career. He also earned through other appearances and brand-related work. However, luxury never dictated Patekar’s choices. The actor continued to be associated with a modest home, practical possessions, and a relatively simple way of life.
Estimates of his net worth have varied widely, with recent reports putting it between Rs 60 crore and Rs 80 crore. He started working when he was just 13. In Class IX, he painted film posters and earned Rs 35 a month. As per media reports, he charged around Rs 2 crore to Rs 3 crore for a film in his later years. Apparently, he had once refused to spend Rs 1.5 crore on a luxury car , saying he would rather use the money to help farmers.
