Shekhar Suman has decided not to go ahead with the planned finale of ‘Shekhar Tonite’ after the death of Nana Patekar, who was scheduled to be the season’s final guest. In a video shared on his YouTube channel, the actor-host remembered his association with the late actor, recalled a phone call in which Patekar praised his show and spoke about their unreleased film, ‘Tadap’. Suman said he did not want to invite anyone else to fill the spot, describing Patekar as irreplaceable.
Shekhar Suman says Nana Patekar was to be the final guest on ‘Shekhar Tonite’
In the video, Suman revealed that the episode featuring Patekar had been planned as the season finale. Remembering the veteran actor’s qualities, he described him as an artist whose honesty and simplicity stood out.“Words are less to praise the artiste, actor, who was going to appear in this episode. Fearless, brave, honest, a person whose simplicity was his strongest trait,” Suman said.The actor-host explained that he could not bring himself to invite another guest after Patekar’s death. Rather than replace him, he decided to end the first season by remembering the actor and the conversation they had hoped to share with viewers.
Shekhar Suman recalls Nana Patekar’s last phone call
Suman also recalled speaking to Patekar just days before his death. According to the actor-host, Patekar had called to congratulate him on ‘Shekhar Tonite’ and revealed that he regularly watched the show.“He congratulated me and said that he watches my show regularly. He also told me that he sees himself in me,” Suman recalled.Patekar had also expressed his desire to appear on the show, despite receiving invitations from other programmes.“He said, ‘I get offers from a lot of shows, I don’t go anywhere, but I want to come on your show.’ It felt like I got a Padma Vibhushan,” Suman said, describing how much the actor’s words meant to him.The planned appearance had therefore held special significance for Suman, who was looking forward to a conversation with an actor he deeply admired.
Shekhar Suman remembers unreleased film ‘Tadap’ with Nana Patekar
Suman reflected on his professional and personal association with Patekar, recalling that they had worked together in Sohanlal Kanwar’s 1990 film ‘Tadap’. Although the film was completed, it never reached theatres.“During that time, I got to know him personally. I learnt a lot from him as a person, and as an actor. Sadly, the film was completed but couldn’t be released. Look at the coincidence, that this episode that was supposed to be shot with him also won’t reach the audience ever. My heart will be upset about this all my life. It would have been the most beautiful conversation with him,” the actor-host said.Drawing a parallel between the unreleased film and the episode that will now remain unaired, Suman expressed regret that audiences would not get to see the two share their conversation on screen.‘He is irreplaceable’: Shekhar Suman on ending the season with Nana Patekar’s memoriesExplaining why he would not bring another guest on the show, Suman said that no one could occupy the place intended for Patekar.“Nana took a permanent break from us. We love you Nana and we will miss you forever. I didn’t feel like inviting anyone else today because no one can take his place. He is irreplaceable. He lived life on his own terms. I had even decided on my opening lines for the episode. I want to end our first season with his memories,” he said.Suman’s decision means that the planned finale featuring Patekar will not go ahead. Instead, the actor-host intends to bring the season to a close by remembering the veteran actor and the conversation they had hoped to share.
Nana Patekar dies at 75
Nana Patekar reportedly died on October 8 at the age of 75 following a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa. His demise prompted tributes from colleagues and members of the film industry, with many remembering his performances, distinctive screen presence and contribution to Indian cinema.