Yes, I do lose my temper - Nana Patekar

By Taran Adarsh

Nana Patekar is well aware that people are scared of him. His reputation - an angry man, off screen - precedes him. "Yes, I am aware that people feel Nana jhagda karta hain, chillata hain, but I won't say it's untrue. I do fight, I do have arguments, but it's for the betterment of the film. I have nothing against any individual," Nana tells me.

In fact, when Nana congratulated Naseeruddin Shah for his performance in A WEDNESDAY, Naseer caught him by surprise by divulging that he [Naseer] had, in fact, recommended Nana's name for the role that Naseer eventually enacted in the film, but the makers were scared of Nana's reputation, which resulted in Anupam Kher being cast instead.

Nana has some interesting movies lined up this year and also looks forward to start his next film as a director. "It's set in the 1940s and is a love story," Nana says. Reportedly, the actor had approached Deepika Padukone to enact a pivotal role in the film, but she declined the offer. Reportedly, Nana is upset with Deepika for refusing his film. "Please don't buy this story. Haven't I refused so many films? So why should I get upset if Deepika declines my project? I don't hold grudges against anyone," Nana sets the record straight.

Nana breaks into a big smile as we discuss his son, Malhar, who will assist him in his project and who also plans to direct a film independently. "He's an obedient boy. He wants to do things on his own, without taking the easy route or using my name. I am really proud of him," the glow on Nana's face says it all.