What was Nana Patekar's initial reaction to the comedy role?

Nana Patekar was skeptical and refused to even hear the story, instead making an unusual demand that the director swear on his mother that the film was right for him.

How did director Anees Bazmee convince Nana Patekar to take on the role?

Bazmee managed to negotiate with Patekar, convincing him to at least listen to a 3-hour narration of the script. After the detailed narration, a visibly moved Patekar made a heartfelt promise to let Bazmee "mold him in whatever shape" he wanted.

Why are fans disappointed that Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor will not return for the 'Welcome' franchise sequel?

Patekar cited the lack of a compelling story as the reason for their absence from the upcoming 'Welcome to the Jungle' film.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Nana Patekar's Hilarious Bollywood Comeback Revealed

Nana Patekar's Hilarious Bollywood Comeback Revealed

9 Nov

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Summary

Nana Patekar's iconic "control, Uday, control" performance
Director Anees Bazmee's challenge to cast Patekar in comedy
Patekar's skeptical initial reaction and unusual demand

Nana Patekar's Hilarious Bollywood Comeback Revealed

In 2025, Nana Patekar's iconic performance as the volatile don Uday Shetty in a Bollywood comedy classic remains one of the most memorable in modern Indian cinema. His "control, Uday, control" dialogue and explosive chemistry with Anil Kapoor's "Majnu Bhai" have become legendary. However, convincing the intense, dramatic actor, known for films like 'Tirangaa' and 'Krantiveer', to take on such a slapstick role was a massive challenge for director Anees Bazmee.

Bazmee, a huge fan of Patekar's work, was convinced the serious actor had incredible untapped comedic potential. When he finally called Patekar for the role, the actor's response was sharp and skeptical. Patekar refused to even hear the story, instead making an unusual demand - Bazmee had to swear on his mother that the film was right for him. After some negotiation, Patekar agreed to a 3-hour narration, and by the end, he was visibly moved and made a heartfelt promise to let Bazmee "mold him in whatever shape" he wanted.