An old conversation related to two memorable actors of Hindi cinema is attracting people's attention these days. In this, Nana Patekar is seen discussing Irrfan Khan's talent and personality with filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj. Nana's words were not just praise for a colleague, but reflected deep affection for the artist, whom he considered an extraordinary human being. He told that Irfan was very fond of Ratrani plant and he had also mentioned this liking during his illness days. Nana still had this desire in his mind to plant Ratrani sapling at Irfan's tomb.
Old memories revealed in conversation with Vishal Bhardwaj
This video is said to be of a conversation that took place during the promotion of Nana Patekar's film 'Vanvas'. In connection with the promotion of this film, released in December 2024, Vishal Bhardwaj talked to Nana about his acting career and awards. In the conversation, he brought out an interesting fact that Nana and Irrfan were among those actors who received honors in all three categories at Filmfare – Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Best Villain.
Nana refused to accept this achievement as proof of his superiority. He mentioned other artistes of his era and recalled the presence of stalwarts like Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri. After this his attention went to Irfan, whose talent he had recognized long ago.
“He was going to be a great actor.”
Nana told that Irfan's wife Sutapa Sikdar was associated with writing at that time and often talked to him about suggesting work for Irfan. Nana believed that Irfan had so much potential that one day people themselves would come to him with work suggestions. He expressed regret that Irrfan left this world at a very young age. It also comes to light from his words that even before Irrfan's success, Nana was confident about his ability. He saw him not just as an emerging artist, but as an actor who would make a big mark in the future.
Mention of night queen during days of illness
In the most emotional part of the conversation, Nana mentioned about going to Irrfan's house in Mud Island, Mumbai. He told that during his illness, Irfan had shared with him his fondness for the Ratrani plant. According to Nana, Irfan had asked him to remember this choice. Nana said that even today the desire to plant that plant at Irfan's tomb arises in his mind. The mention of this plant that smells at night has now become a personal and emotional memory of the relationship between the two artists.
Irfan Khan's legacy still persists
Irrfan Khan died on 29 April 2020 at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. He was battling neuroendocrine tumor. Even years after his departure, his presence is felt through films, acting and memories of colleagues. This old conversation has also come to light again amidst the news of Nana Patekar's demise on 8 October 2026 at the age of 75. In this, one artist remembers the talent as well as the simplicity of another artist – and the small Ratrani plant becomes a symbol of that affection.