Nana Patekar was celebrated for his commanding screen presence, yet beyond the silver screen he harbored a deep love for cricket that resonated with millions across India.
After Nana Patekar’s passing on October 8, 2026, a previously recorded interview resurfaced in which he spoke openly about his cricket enthusiasm and admiration for Virat Kohli. His remarks revealed the devoted fan beneath the acclaimed actor, and his candid response to Kohli’s early dismissals quickly became a talking point.
Nana Patekar was a huge Virat Kohli fan
Patekar made no secret of his admiration for Kohli. In the interview he named the former India captain as his favorite player and described the emotional investment he felt each time Kohli took the crease.
“Virat is my favourite player. If he gets out early, I lose my appetite. That’s how much I care about cricket,” Patekar said.
Nana Patekar is a huge Virat Kohli fan. pic.twitter.com/DkXVFdpD6E
— Akshat Om (@AkshatOM10) January 3, 2025
The remark resonated with cricket fans, as many share that same emotional connection when watching Kohli bat, especially in high‑stakes international encounters.
His comment resurfaced virally in January 2025 after Kohli’s inexpensive dismissal in the Border‑Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Netizens transformed the actor’s words into memes, humorously speculating whether Patekar had eaten after Kohli’s early exit.
Cricket was more than just a spectator sport for Nana Patekar
Patekar’s bond with cricket extended far beyond being a mere spectator.
In an earlier interview he reminisced about playing cricket in his youth, describing himself as an off‑spinner. Lacking the means for formal coaching due to financial constraints, he devised his own methods to remain involved in the sport.
He recounted visiting Mumbai’s Shivaji Park to bowl to net‑practicing players, noting that with roughly ten days of practice he felt he could still take the field and bowl competently.
He also recalled staying glued to the TV whenever India faced Pakistan, a passion that endured throughout his illustrious acting career.
Nana Patekar compared cricket with acting
Interestingly, Patekar noted a striking parallel between cricket and cinema.
He observed that both pursuits demand extensive preparation before facing public scrutiny, underscoring the pressures experienced by cricketers and actors alike.
“Cricketers’ games last five days, but our exams go on for one and a half to two years, and the audience ultimately delivers the verdict.”
It was a telling remark from an actor who had endured decades of audience and critic scrutiny.
Virat Kohli’s early dismissals once made headlines
Patekar’s remarks about Kohli stood out for their simplicity; he was not dissecting technique or quoting stats, but speaking as an everyday fan whose mood rose and fell with his favorite batsman’s performance.
When Kohli fell cheaply, Patekar admitted he lost his appetite—a candid comment that later sparked online humor while also underscoring his fervent following of Indian cricket.
His admiration for Kohli mirrored the deep emotional bond the batter has forged with fans across generations.
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