From Shooting 'Sankalp' to Praising CM Yogi Adityanath's Film Policy

The sudden passing of legendary Indian cinema stalwart Nana Patekar at his private residence in Goa has prompted an outpouring of tributes across the nation on Thursday, October 8, 2026, with the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, mourning a cultural figure who held an endearing, creative bond with the state. Patekar—who shot to iconic prominence with the 1980s pathbreaking cinema Ankush—frequently chose Lucknow as a preferred production base for major film projects, commercial advertisements, and civic awareness campaigns. During the intensive production schedule of acclaimed filmmaker Prakash Jha's web series 'Sankalp' in 2023, the veteran actor spent extensive periods filming across the city, building personal relationships with local artists and emerging as a passionate proponent of Uttar Pradesh's progressive film policy and safe shooting ecosystem.

Sharing the Stage with CM Yogi Adityanath: The Memorable 'Khaki Ka Sitara' Launch

Patekar's close association with the administrative leadership of Uttar Pradesh was prominently showcased during a major public event in Lucknow:

• Keynote Dignitary at Lok Bhawan: On August 14, Nana Patekar shared the dais with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at Lok Bhawan for the formal launch of the Uttar Pradesh Police theme anthem, "Khaki Ka Sitara", invited as the distinguished chief guest by top police leadership.

• Tribute to Real-Life Law Enforcement: Addressing the gathering, Patekar drew a stark, heartfelt comparison between cinematic drama and active duty, observing that while actors merely portray law enforcement personnel on screen with multiple retakes, real police officers face high-stakes ground realities where mistakes permit zero retakes.

• Warm Exchanges with Police Leadership: When Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna urged Patekar to reshape and elevate the portrayal of police forces in mainstream cinema, the actor responded with his signature disarming smile, reaffirming his deep respect for the personnel safeguarding public order across Uttar Pradesh.

Championing UP's Film Policy: Praise for Film Bandhu and Ground-Level Support

Patekar frequently highlighted the transformative institutional environment provided to artists and production houses across Uttar Pradesh:

• Unprecedented Creative Backing: Former Director of Film Bandhu, Dinesh Sehgal, recalled several detailed meetings with Patekar during the shooting schedule of Sankalp in Lucknow, where the actor openly praised the state's transparent single-window clearance mechanisms.

• A Model Film Framework: Patekar explicitly stated that he had not encountered an administrative film policy as proactive and supportive as Uttar Pradesh's anywhere else in the country, commending the substantive institutional backing extended to directors, line producers, and technical crews.

• Valuing Administrative Outreach: The veteran actor voiced immense admiration for Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's direct outreach in visiting Mumbai to engage film fraternity stalwarts personally, inviting production units to harness the rich heritage, rural landscapes, and urban backdrops of Uttar Pradesh.

Civic Advocacy for UP Police and Enduring Memories on Set

Beyond commercial shoots, Patekar actively utilized his influential voice for public safety and grassroots mentorship:

• Pro-Bono Civic Collaborations: Sehgal highlighted that Patekar participated in public awareness video campaigns designed for the Uttar Pradesh Police, traveling to Lucknow specifically to shoot civic messages and interact with state authorities.

• Authenticity Over Glamour: Colleagues and technicians remember Patekar as an artist who treated cinema not as hollow commercial glitz, but as a potent medium of societal reflection, emotional authenticity, and public accountability.

• A Heartwarming Transformation on Set: Lucknow-based actress Simran Awasthi, who shared screen space with him for roughly 18 to 20 days during the filming of Sankalp, recalled working with initial apprehension due to his intense on-screen persona; however, his genuine warmth, constant inquiries about fellow actors' well-being, and humble mentorship completely shifted her perspective, leaving an indelible personal impression of the revered screen titan.