Veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar and his wife, Neelkanti Patekar, remained legally married despite living separately for around 35 years, with the actor previously attributing their decision to differences that developed over time.
Nana, who died at the age of 75 on October 8, 2026, had spoken about their relationship in earlier interviews, explaining that the couple eventually found it difficult to continue living under the same roof.
“Nilkanti and I shared numerous years of happiness together. We supported each other through thick and thin. But, over the years, we developed certain irreconcilable differences and grew apart. Today, we continue to be married but stay separately,” he said in remarks reported by The Indian Express.
Despite their separation, the couple never formally divorced, according to media reports.
Neelkanti supported Nana during his early career
Nana had also acknowledged Neelkanti’s contribution during the early years of his acting career, when he was working to establish himself in the film industry.
The couple first met through Marathi theatre and married in 1978. Neelkanti pursued her own career in Marathi theatre and cinema, and also worked as a bank officer.
The couple faced a personal tragedy
Nana and Neelkanti had two sons, Durvasa and Malhar. Their elder son, Durvasa, died at around two-and-a-half years of age after experiencing health complications, according to media reports.
Their younger son, Malhar Patekar, later became involved in filmmaking, including work as an assistant director on The Attacks of 26/11.
A private relationship that remained intact
Although Nana became a prominent figure in Hindi and Marathi cinema, he generally kept his family life away from the public spotlight.
His marriage to Neelkanti remained intact despite decades of living separately. His earlier comments suggested that, while their differences made sharing a home difficult, the couple continued to recognise the support they had given each other over the years.
Following Nana’s death, their long and unconventional relationship has drawn renewed attention as audiences revisit the actor’s life beyond the screen.
