Nana Patekar’s Kargil War Connection.. Did You Know He Served With the Army?

Veteran actor Nana Patekar was known for his powerful performances, but his connection with the Indian Army during the 1999 Kargil War is a lesser-known chapter of his life. In an earlier interview, Patekar recalled that he wanted to contribute to the country during the war and approached then Defence Minister George Fernandes with a request to work with the Army. Although civilians could not simply join the armed forces, Patekar explained that he had undergone commando training and had experience handling weapons.

Patekar also told Fernandes about his participation in national-level rifle-shooting competitions, where he had won a bronze medal. After hearing him out, Fernandes reportedly asked when he was ready to go, and Patekar subsequently spent around 60 days working alongside the Army. He recalled being associated with personnel in areas including Dras, Leh, Kupwara, Baramulla and Sopore, although he did not disclose operational details. Patekar also said that he weighed around 76 kg when he went and returned at about 56 kg, describing the experience as one in which he barely noticed the passage of time.