Stories
Remembering Nana Patekar: The Real-Life Hero Who Served 60 Days in the Kargil War
- •Veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away at the age of 75 due to cardiac arrest.
- •During the 1999 Kargil War, he served as an active soldier with the Maratha Light Infantry for 60 days.
- •He obtained special permission from then Defense Minister George Fernandes after initial refusal from army officials.
- •He completed three years of rigorous army training and was an honorary captain in the Territorial Army.
- •During his deployment in war-affected sectors, he went on border patrols, visited hospitals, and lost 20 kg of weight.
Key Questions Answered
Nana Patekar served alongside the Indian Army for about 60 days during the 1999 Kargil War. After obtaining special permission from the then Defense Minister George Fernandes, he joined the Quick Reaction Team of the Maratha Light Infantry and operated in conflict-affected sectors like Dras and Leh.
Nana Patekar joined the Territorial Army in 1988 as an honorary captain and completed extensive military training with the Maratha Light Infantry. He also underwent commando training and was an experienced national-level rifle shooter.
The rigorous conditions and strenuous active duty during his 60-day deployment in the war zone significantly impacted Nana Patekar's health. He once recalled that his body weight dropped drastically from around 76 kg down to 56 kg by the time his service concluded.
