Nana Patekar served 60 days in Kargil War as Quick Reaction Team member
· Entertainment · Indian Express, NDTV, LiveMint
Actor Nana Patekar, who passed away on October 8, 2026, served with the Indian Army during the Kargil War in 1999. He was part of the Quick Reaction Team and spent 60 days at the frontline. Patekar recalled in a 2024 interview that he approached Defence Minister George Fernandes to be sent to Kargil and was deployed the same day. He mentioned losing 20 kg during his service, dropping from 76 kg to 56 kg in two months. An India Today report from August 1999 noted he lived with soldiers for over a fortnight, moving post to post as an unofficial cheerleader. Patekar had undergone training with the Maratha Light Infantry for his film Prahaar, which he directed and starred in.
Why it matters
His wartime service highlights the patriotic contributions of Indian celebrities beyond their artistic careers. It reminds the public of civilian involvement in national defence during the Kargil conflict.
Read the original report — Indian Express
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