And his cop character in next film Shagird is inspired by real-life ACP Rajbir Singh who was shot down by a property dealer.After playing a cop in Ab Tak Chappan, Nana Patekar returns in another cop avatar in his upcoming film Shagird. This time Nana Patekar plays the character of ACP Hanumant Singh which is believed to be based on the life of real-life cop ACP Rajbir Singh of Special Operations Squad, Delhi Police.
Rajbir Singh was shot down by a property dealer in Gurgaon in 2008.
“A lot of research has been done on the life of Rajbir Singh before shooting the film. Apparently, Tigmanshu was adamant that the role of the cop ACP Hanumant Singh should be played by none other than Nana Patekar himself”, says a source close to the film. “Nana Patekar was offered great help and security while shooting at the India gate as he shares a very good rapport with the Police force. He thus got blanket permission to shoot at all the important locations”.Incidentally when we asked director Tigmanshu Dhulia what was the inspiration behind Nana Patekar’s character, he had a different take altogether. “Nana’s walk is just like Garry Cooper”, says the director. “Also the attitude Nana carries is exactly what I wanted for this role. He is amazing in the film".Academy Award winning Hollywood actor Gary Cooper was known for his understated and restrained acting style.