“From the iconic line ‘Subah se na ek aloo bika hai, na bika hai aadha kanda!’ delivered by the legendary Nana Patekar in the 2007 film Welcome, to the behind-the-scenes story of how he came to embody the unforgettable character of Uday Shetty, his journey is nothing short of fascinating. Can you imagine anyone else pulling off that role with the same flair and charisma?
In a recent interview with The Lallantop, director Anees Bazmee opened up about the experience of casting Nana Patekar in Welcome. He reminisced about how Patekar initially refused to even listen to the script. Instead, he challenged Bazmee to swear on his mother’s name and convince him why he should take on the role. It was a bold move, but one that ultimately led to a memorable collaboration between the two.
Bazmee, a self-proclaimed ‘big fan’ of Nana Patekar, couldn’t help but admire the actor’s talent and dedication. Despite rumors of Patekar being difficult to work with, Bazmee saw a different side to him during the making of Welcome. He had always envisioned Patekar as Uday Shetty, and the actor’s portrayal exceeded all expectations.
Even though comedy was uncharted territory for Patekar, he embraced the role with sincerity and depth. Bazmee recalled the moment when Patekar finally agreed to sign the film after a three-hour long narration. The actor was so moved by the script that he couldn’t help but express his emotions through a heartfelt hug.
Welcome, with its stellar cast including Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif, became a blockbuster hit, thanks in no small part to Nana Patekar’s brilliant performance. It was a testament to the actor’s versatility and willingness to step out of his comfort zone. And for Bazmee, it was a dream come true to work with someone he had admired for so long.
In the end, Welcome not only entertained audiences but also showcased the incredible talent of Nana Patekar, proving once again that great actors are capable of transcending genres and leaving a lasting impact on cinema.”
