Nana Patekar Was Not Just an Actor, He Was a Master Chef Who Made Fish Curry with 42 Spices

Veteran Bollywood actor Nana Patekar has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema with his intense performances, powerful dialogues, and versatile acting. While audiences loved his dramatic and comic avatars on screen, his personal life held a surprisingly simple and domestic side. Very few know that Nana Patekar was an exceptionally passionate cook.

When the Actor Turned Chef on Film Sets

Nana Patekar's love for cooking often extended to his workplace. During the shoot of the movie 'Malamal Weekly', he decided to cook a special fish dish for the entire film unit with his own hands. When the cast and crew tasted his culinary creation, they were left spellbound. For him, cooking was not merely a hobby, but an expression of care and creativity.

Learned the Art from His Mother

Nana Patekar's passion for cooking stemmed from his deep bond with his mother. As a child, he would sit near her in the kitchen, observing every intricate detail of how she prepared meals. Over time, he mastered her recipes. His signature fish curry was no ordinary dish; it took nearly four hours to prepare and used a special blend of around 42 distinct spices, which he often carried with him during shoots.

A Self-Reliant Host Who Disliked Outsourced Food

Whether it was vegetarian delicacies or non-vegetarian feasts, Nana Patekar could cook almost anything with remarkable ease, though mutton and fish remained his personal favorites. He strongly disliked eating out and preferred home-cooked meals. Even if he hosted a party for 25 people at his home, he preferred cooking the entire meal himself rather than ordering food from outside.