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Bollywood's Empty Chairs: Tarde Slams Celebs' Funeral Absence
11 Oct
Summary
- Filmmaker Pravin Tarde criticized Bollywood's absence at Nana Patekar's funeral.
- Tarde emphasized farmers' presence at the funeral over Bollywood celebrities.
- He stated Bollywood is not greater than Nana Patekar's legacy.
Marathi filmmaker Pravin Tarde has openly criticized Bollywood celebrities for their noticeable absence from the recent funeral of veteran actor Nana Patekar. Speaking on a television program, Tarde expressed his disappointment, noting that those who considered Patekar a friend should have been present for his final rites.
Patekar passed away in Goa on October 8, 2026, following a heart attack. His funeral was held in Donje, near Pune, on his farm. While many political figures and prominent personalities attended, the film industry's turnout was notably sparse.
Tarde emphasized that the absence of Bollywood stars does not diminish Patekar's greatness, stating, "Bollywood is not bigger than Nana." He contrasted the perfume of Bollywood personalities with the genuine presence of thousands of farmers at the funeral, calling the farmers "more important than anyone in Bollywood."
Patekar, known for his deep connection with farming communities, never solely defined himself by his Bollywood career, Tarde pointed out. The filmmaker acknowledged a personal complaint, wishing that those Patekar considered friends had attended. He also observed that attendance at lesser-known actors' funerals in Mumbai often surpasses that for established figures like Patekar.
Among the celebrities who did attend were Jackie Shroff, Anees Bazmee, Makarand Anaspure, Prasad Oak, Rahul Deshpande, and Suresh Wadkar.
