Nana Patekar, known for intense performances, once spoke openly about how his life could have taken a very different turn. In a conversation with Siddharth Kannan, he said his anger could have led him down the wrong path, and that had he not become an actor, he would likely have ended up in the underworld.

"People Were Afraid of Me"

Patekar said he got into many fights in his childhood. People feared him because of his short temper, he recalled. He added that his temper has calmed considerably over the years, but that he was once wary of his own nature and the risk of being on the wrong side of the road.

The Manya Surve Connection

In an older interview, Patekar said he was related to Mumbai gangster Manya Surve. According to his account, Surve was the son of his maternal uncle, and he said, "Manya Surve was my brother." This is Patekar's own claim, and the report does not independently confirm the family relationship.

His Mother's Decision

According to Patekar, his mother deliberately raised the children in Murud-Janjira, away from Mumbai, so they could have a bright future. He said that had she not done so, they might have chosen a different path. He explained that she did not want the influence of their maternal grandparents to fall on them.

An Acclaimed Career

Patekar has received the Padma Shri, several National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards for his performances.

Why This Story Matters

His account shows how early surroundings and a parent's choices can shape a life, and it adds a personal dimension to an actor best known for playing tough, angry and morally complex characters. It also reflects the candour with which he has often spoken about his past.