Mumbai, October 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Veteran actor Shivaji Satam has recalled how late actor Nana Patekar came to his rescue during one of the most difficult periods of his life, quietly helping him manage work commitments after his wife was diagnosed with cancer while he was shooting for the 1997 film Ghulam-E-Mustafa.
Speaking at a prayer meeting held in Nana Patekar’s memory in Mumbai on Wednesday, Satam remembered how the actor noticed his distress, encouraged him to share his worries and ensured that the film’s shooting schedule was adjusted to allow him to visit his wife in hospital.
Satam said he was deeply shaken by his wife’s diagnosis and felt he would not be able to continue shooting. Nana noticed that something was wrong and repeatedly asked him to explain what had happened.
After Satam opened up about his situation, Nana asked him to remain calm and give him a day to sort things out.
“He said, ‘You keep quiet and wait for a day,’” Satam recalled.
Nana then spoke to the film’s director, Partho Ghosh, who immediately accommodated the actor’s circumstances. Satam said he was allowed to report to the sets at noon and leave by 8 p.m., enabling him to visit his wife in the hospital in the mornings and evenings.
Satam revealed that Nana never publicised the gesture. He also informed co-star Aruna Irani about the family’s difficulties, prompting the film’s team to extend support to both Satam and his wife during the challenging period.
“I have so many memories of him doing things like this. He would quietly help people without letting anyone know,” Satam said, adding that he had many more memories of Nana’s kindness.
The actor also recalled their lighter moments, saying Nana would greet him with a tight hug and tease him about his fitness, joking that he had become lazy and his biceps had lost their firmness.
Released on October 31, 1997, Ghulam-E-Mustafa, directed by Partho Ghosh, featured Nana as an underworld enforcer and Satam as Dayanand Dixit. Aruna Irani and Raveena Tandon were also part of the cast.
Nana Patekar passed away on October 8, 2026, aged 75, according to the source material. The Mumbai prayer meeting on Wednesday was attended by several actors, including Rohini Hattangadi and Varsha Usgaonkar.
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