Nana Patekar once painted zebra crossings for Rs 15: ‘Kisi ke aage hath ni failaya’

When Nana Patekar opened up about his hardships and the odd jobs he did for survival.(Image Credit: Instagram)

Padma Shri recipient and three-time National Award-winning actor, Nana Patekar, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026. The 75-year-old actor, who gave several praiseworthy performances and was loved for his craft, saw his share of highs and lows.

Before tasting success, before knowing stardom, he did not one but several odd jobs for survival.

Though having studied commercial arts and was placed as a visualizer at an advertising agency, he left the 9-to-5 job to pursue his love and dream of acting. Nana Patekar often spoke about his struggles, and once revealed that he even painted zebra crossings for Rs 15, yet was never disheartened.

Nana Patekar used to paint zebra crossings for Rs 15

Nana Patekar made an appearance on Amitabh Bachchan’s famous quiz show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 16,’ where he revealed some of the lesser-known facts about his life.

He told the host that when he was working as a visualizer, he was presented with two choices: “Natak karna hai ya naukri karni hai, humne naukri chodd di (Theatre or job, I left job). There was poverty. Back then our Dean used to give us some work.”He painted posters giving out social messages and at some times, “we used to paint zebra crossings and earned Rs 15 for it.” He added, “Majja is bat ka tha k kisi ke aage hath ni failaya’ (The best thing was I never had to beg for money."

He recalled getting 25 paisa as his pocket money, and making the most of it.

Nana Patekar always enjoyed a simple life

As years passed by, Nana worked on his skill and never gave up on his passion for acting. He made his debut in Bollywood with ‘Gaman.' There was a time when he used to paint movie posters for his survival; little did he know that one day he would shine on those same posters. It gave Nana a sense of contentment.However, despite all his accomplishments, Nana always felt he was never a part of the industry.

He told Amitabh Bachchan, “I am not from the industry. I come here, work here and then go back. I have never been to the party or gone to the village. I don't like it there. I am from the village, and I will stay there. And I like it there”. He even told Big B that if his heart finds peace in a village setting, he must listen to it.

Nana Patekar passes away at 75

After suffering a severe heart attack, Nana Patekar passed away at 75. Though the doctors tried their best to save the legendary star, they couldn’t revive him. His remains were sent for postmortem, as a medico-legal case (MLC) was registered. Meanwhile, PTI reported that the last rites will be held at his Pune farmhouse on Thursday evening.