An old interview of Katrina Kaif has resurfaced online, in which she spoke about how veteran actor Nana Patekar helped her stay composed while shooting a key speech scene for Prakash Jha’s ‘Rajneeti’. The film featured a large ensemble cast.
Katrina Kaif’s nervous moment on set
In the film, Katrina Kaif had to address a huge gathering. She described the experience in a conversation with Mid Day. She had said, “There were 2000-3000 people on the street. They were not extras. I had to walk onto the stage and deliver a speech. Ajay (Devgn), Nana Sir were there. My hands were trembling. I remember Nana sir saying, it’s fine. It’s going to be fine.”
Her role as Indu Pratap
Katrina Kaif played Indu Pratap, who eventually becomes the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. Her character is in love with the role played by Ranbir Kapoor but is married to his brother, Prithviraj Pratap, played by Arjun Rampal. Reports suggest the character was inspired by Draupadi from the Mahabharat.
Nana Patekar’s part in the film
Nana Patekar appeared as Brij Gopal, a sharp political strategist who guides the family’s moves in the story.
Last rites of the veteran actor
According to reports, Nana Patekar was found unconscious at his home in Dona Paula, Goa, and was taken to Manipal Hospital. Doctors tried to revive him for nearly 45 minutes before declaring him dead.His last rites were performed at the Donje farmhouse in Pune on Thursday with full state honours. The atmosphere echoed with chants of “Nana Amar Rahe” (Long Live Nana). His associates said he had expressed a wish to be cremated at his farmhouse.
More about ‘Rajneeti’
Directed by Prakash Jha, the cast of the film featured Ajay Devgn, Nana Patekar, Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpayee, Sarah Thompson and Naseeruddin Shah. The movie was released in theatres on June 4, 2010.