Veteran Marathi actor Ashok Saraf is busy promoting his new film ‘Aadi-Anant’, which is now playing in theatres. In a recent chat, he looked back on his journey in cinema and shared a funny story about the late actor Nana Patekar, who once charged him a tiny fee for back massages.
Ashok Saraf’s back massage deal with Nana Patekar
In a recent conversation with ABP Majha, Ashok Saraf said Nana Patekar was always keen to press his hands, legs, head and back. The veteran Marathi actor said that he would object each time, but Nana Patekar did not stop. He recalled, “Nana Patekar would sometimes massage my hands, legs, head and back. However, I would tell him not to do so. He would respond by saying, ‘It’s okay.’ But I would tell him that I wouldn’t get it done for free. I would then give him Rs 2, which he would put in his pocket. A few days later, we met again. He massaged my back once more, and this time, I gave him Rs 5.”The story did not end there. Ashok Saraf went on to describe another meeting, this time at an event hosted by a channel. He said, “Later, there was an event organised by Zee. I was sitting on a chair when Nana came over and started massaging my back. Even though I told him not to, he continued. After that, I gave him Rs 10. Nana then asked, ‘What is this? We had agreed on just Rs 2.’ To that, I replied, ‘Inflation has gone up; keep it.’ He then accepted the money.”
Nana Patekar’s death
Veteran actor Nana Patekar died on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75. He was found unconscious at his home in Goa, and doctors tried to revive him for about 45 minutes before declaring him dead at 5.20 am. A post-mortem later confirmed a heart attack. He was cremated with state honours at his Donje farmhouse in Pune. His son, Malhar Patekar, confirmed the news, and tributes poured in.