It is said that after Vidhu Vinod Chopra asked actors to bring their food on set, Nana Patekar abused him, after which the director tore the actor’s kurta.
Nana Patekar, Vidhu Vinod Chopra Pic/AFP
The 1989 crime drama ‘Parinda,’ starring Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, and Madhuri Dixit Nene, remains a significant film in the annals of Indian cinema. The intense tale of two brothers caught on different sides of a gang war—triggered by one’s psychotic criminal boss murdering another’s friend—captivated audiences with its gritty narrative and powerful performances. Co-written, produced, and directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the film has since been considered a classic. However, not all cast members remember it fondly.
An exclusive interview with Lallantop unearthed some of the darker memories from the ‘Parinda’ set, specifically those of veteran actor Nana Patekar. Patekar did not mince words when asked about his experience working with Chopra. “I don’t like Vidhu Vinod Chopra. I have no control over my anger. I am still the same. That aspect of my life hasn’t changed yet,” he confessed openly. “Every scene has its setting, tune, and note; there is a way to talk. Now, I don’t know if you watched ‘Parinda’, but I was in the character, so when the director says, ‘Lights, camera, clap,’ if you aggressively say ‘action,’ it starts to linger in your ears. It echoes and hurts your ears.”
Expanding on this theme, Patekar added, “Let us be in our character, please. What happens is when someone shouts, we forget the note that is required for the scene and unknowingly pick the director’s note. Just say ‘action’ calmly. Let us get into our character and note. It is because of this we must have had a tiff. I have very bad memories of him (Vidhu Vinod Chopra) and even habits.”
Reports indicate that one of the core reasons behind this sour relationship was Chopra’s directive for the cast to bring their own food to the set.
. The seemingly minor demand irked Patekar, leading to heated exchanges. The confrontation escalated to such an extent that Patekar ended up abusing the filmmaker. In retaliation, Chopra reportedly tore Patekar’s kurta right on the set, an incident that has since become a part of Bollywood’s tempestuous history.
Meanwhile, Nana Patekar’s role in Indian cinema continues to evolve. Recently, he was seen in director Vivek Agnihotri’s ‘The Vaccine War,’ portraying Former ICMR Director General Dr. Balram Bhargava. The film celebrates the triumphs of Indian scientists and the citizens in the battle against COVID-19. It provides a detailed look at the creation of the BBV152 vaccine, also known as Covaxin, a collaborative effort by Bharat Biotech and the Indian Council of Medical Research – National Institute of Virology.
‘The Vaccine War’ features an ensemble cast that includes Pallavi Joshi, Raima Sen, Anupam Kher, Girija Oak, Nivedita Bhattacharya, Sapthami Gowda, and Mohan Kapur. The film aims not only to narrate the scientific journey behind the development of Covaxin but also to spotlight the determination and resilience of the Indian populace. Patekar’s performance, as always, shines through, adding another layer of depth to his illustrious career.
Returning to ‘Parinda,’ the film was a landmark in Hindi cinema for its raw portrayal of crime and its psychological impact on the characters involved. The film’s narrative and visual aesthetic influenced numerous directors and films that followed, cementing its status as a classic. Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s direction, despite the personal conflicts with some cast members, was widely praised for maintaining an intense, gripping tone throughout the movie.
The revelation of these tense behind-the-scenes moments offers an intriguing peek into the complex dynamics of filmmaking. While the final product often depicts a harmonious orchestration of talent and vision, the process itself can be fraught with personal conflicts and emotional outbursts. The spat between Patekar and Chopra serves as a reminder that the creative process is often as turbulent as it is rewarding.
In sum, while ‘Parinda’ continues to be revered as a cinematic gem, the memories that Nana Patekar harbors from its shoot serve as a stark reminder of the human element behind movie magic. As both Patekar and Chopra move forward in their respective careers, these memories remain as part of the intricate tapestry of their professional journeys. And for the fans of cinema, it adds another layer of fascination to an already iconic film.
