General VK Singh Remembers Nana Patekar, Recalls Their Days on the Sets of Prahaar

Former Army Chief VK Singh has paid an emotional tribute to veteran actor Nana Patekar, remembering the time he watched the actor closely during the making of the 1991 Army film Prahaar: The Final Attack. Patekar, 75, passed away on Thursday, 8 October 2026.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the retired general shared old photographs from the film's shoot. He said the news of Patekar's death was "deeply saddening" and called him "not merely a remarkable actor, but a powerful presence."

Recalling the shooting days, he praised the actor's "dedication, hardwork and no nonsense approach", which helped make the Army role look real on screen. He said Patekar's work in Indian cinema and the memories he left behind would always stay with people. He ended his post by sending his condolences to Patekar's family, friends and fans.

About Prahaar

The Nana Patekar Prahaar connection is one that many soldiers and defence lovers still remember. Released in 1991, Prahaar was directed by Nana Patekar, who also played the lead role of Major Chauhan, a tough Army officer who trains commandos.

The film showed the hard training, strict discipline and sacrifices that are part of a soldier's life. It was praised for showing Army life in a realistic way, without much of the glamour seen in many war films of that time. The general, who was serving in the Army at the time, also made a brief appearance in the film.

He later rose to become India's 24th Chief of Army Staff, leading the Indian Army from March 2010 to May 2012. He was commissioned into the Rajput Regiment in 1970 and fought in the 1971 war. Over a long career he held several key command and staff posts, including heading the Army's Eastern Command, before taking over as chief. After retiring, he entered politics and served as a Union Minister of State in the central government.

An actor with a real Army link

Nana Patekar's bond with the armed forces went far beyond the screen. He joined the Territorial Army and went through proper military training. During the 1999 Kargil War, he reportedly spent several weeks with Army troops linked to the Maratha Light Infantry, staying close to the soldiers during the conflict.

Born on 1 January 1951, Patekar was known for his intense acting and sharp dialogue delivery. He starred in many hit and award-winning films, including Parinda, Krantiveer, Ab Tak Chhappan and Prahaar. Over his long career, he won several National Film Awards and was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2013.

How he passed away

According to media reports, the actor suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Dona Paula, Goa, early on Thursday morning. He was given CPR but could not be saved, and was declared dead at around 5:20 am. Full official details about his death are still awaited.

A loss felt by the armed forces too

Tributes poured in from film stars, political leaders and fans across the country after the news broke. Many remembered him not only for his films but also for his social work, including help for farmers in drought-hit Maharashtra through the Naam Foundation. But the words of the retired general stood out, as they came from someone who had seen the actor's commitment up close while he was playing a soldier.

For many in the defence community, the Nana Patekar Prahaar film remains one of the few Hindi movies that tried to show what it truly takes to wear the uniform. That film, along with his military training and his time near the front during Kargil, made Patekar a familiar and respected face among soldiers and veterans.

With his passing, Indian cinema has lost one of its most powerful actors, and the armed forces have lost a friend who always stood by them.