‘Everyone is very scared of him': Vishal Bhardwaj on not collaborating with Nana Patekar earlier

Vishal Bhardwaj’s ‘O’ Romeo’, a romantic action-drama that arrived in cinemas on February 13, opened to a mixed response from audiences. To promote the film, Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Avinash Tiwary, Farida Jalal, and Vishal recently graced ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’ season 4. The movie also includes Nana Patekar in a significant role, marking Vishal’s first-ever collaboration with the veteran actor. During the episode, the filmmaker spoke about what it was like teaming up with Nana on this project.

Vishal Bhardwaj reveals why he didn’t work with Nana Patekar earlier

During the show, host Kapil Sharma asked Bhardwaj the reason behind not having worked with Nana earlier, even after sharing a friendship that spans over twenty years. Vishal smiled and offered an honest response, saying, “Actually, it’s my mistake. I had never taken a role like this to him before. Everyone is very scared of Nana Patekar, even though he is a very soft-hearted person. Nana has been quite upset with me over not working with him. He would catch me anywhere and remind me that he is Nana Patekar, an actor, and ask when I will cast him. I used to find it very embarrassing, but finally we worked together, and it took me some time.” The filmmaker added that ‘O’ Romeo’ finally gave him the perfect opportunity to collaborate with the veteran actor.

Vishal Bhardwaj reacts to Kapil Sharma’s witty remark about Nana Patekar

During the conversation, Kapil noted that Nana rarely steps into the public eye and has never graced his show so far. Adding a touch of humour, Kapil mentioned that these days, headlines about Nana leaving events tend to grab more attention than those about his appearances. He was alluding to the recent ‘O Romeo’ trailer launch, where the veteran actor, despite arriving punctually, was reportedly kept waiting for over an hour by the film’s team. Frustrated by the delay, Nana is said to have walked out before the event could officially begin.

Vishal Bhardwaj addresses Nana Patekar’s walkout at the trailer launch

Speaking at the trailer launch, Vishal addressed the much-talked-about incident involving Nana. He said, “Nana has left the event, yet I would like to speak about him. Nana is like the naughtiest child in a classroom — the kid who bullies people and also entertains the most. I have known Nana for 27 years, but this is the first time we have worked together. If he had been here, it would have been great. But because we made him wait for an hour, he stood up in his signature style and left the event. We didn’t feel bad about it because we know this is what makes Nana, Nana Patekar.”

Vishal Bhardwaj’s ‘O’ Romeo’ registers steady box office numbers

‘O’ Romeo’, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and backed by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, brings together a star-studded cast including Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Farida Jalal, Nana Patekar, Vikrant Massey, Disha Patani, Tamannaah, and Avinash Tiwary. As per trade tracker Sacnilk, the film has earned a net total of Rs 20.75 crore within its first two days of release.

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