nana-patekar-would-lose-his-appetite-whenever-kohli-got-out-virat-sachin-and-others-mourn-the-beloved-stars-passing
It was more than just admiration. Nana revealed that Kohli’s performances affected him emotionally. He once admitted that if Virat got out early, he would lose his appetite and no longer feel like eating.
XtraTime Web Desk
He was a legend of Indian cinema. But away from the camera, Nana Patekar had another identity—he was a passionate cricket fan. And his favourite cricketer? None other than Virat Kohli.
Following Nana Patekar’s demise at the age of 75 on Thursday, his deep love for cricket has once again come into the spotlight. An old video in which the veteran actor spoke passionately about Virat Kohli has also gone viral on social media.
Virat Kohli himself expressed grief over Nana Patekar’s demise. In a social media post, the Indian star wrote, “A true legend of Indian cinema. His work and his legacy will live on for generations. Rest in peace, Nana.”
Amid the tributes, Nana Patekar’s old comments about Kohli have also resurfaced. During an interview, when he was asked to name his favourite cricketer, he did not hesitate for a moment. “Virat is my favourite player,” Nana had said.
It was more than just admiration. Nana revealed that Kohli’s performances affected him emotionally. He once admitted that if Virat got out early, he would lose his appetite and no longer feel like eating.
Nana’s connection with cricket went back to his childhood. He had a deep interest in the sport from a young age and even bowled off-spin at one stage. Whenever India played Pakistan, he would sit in front of the television, completely engrossed in the match.
His admiration was not limited to Kohli. Nana also had immense respect for several cricketing legends, with Sunil Gavaskar being one of his idols. He had also expressed a desire to spend time with members of India’s historic 1983 World Cup-winning team, though that wish remained unfulfilled.
The cricketing fraternity also mourned Nana’s passing, with several sports personalities, including Shikhar Dhawan, paying tribute to the veteran actor.
Nana Patekar brought countless characters to life on the big screen. But this lesser-known, emotional side of the actor—the passionate cricket lover—may have made him even more relatable to millions of cricket fans.
