Renowned Bollywood actor Nana Patekar finds himself in the midst of controversy once again, as a video of him slapping a fan who attempted to take a selfie during a film shoot in Varanasi goes viral. The incident has reignited discussions about celebrity behaviour and the expectations placed on public figures.
The video captures Nana Patekar, dressed in a brown blazer and hat, filming for his upcoming movie “Journey” on a bustling street near the Dashashwamedh Ghat. As a young boy approaches from behind to take a selfie with the actor, Nana reacts swiftly, delivering a slap to the back of the fan’s head. A crew member intervenes, grabbing the boy by the neck and escorting him away from the set.
Social media platforms erupted with criticism, condemning the actor’s actions. One user expressed disappointment, stating, “We, the common people, have given the status of God to these actors and cricket players in India, so we have to be ready to get slapped and kicked by them.” Another comment highlighted the disparity between the on-screen personas of actors and their real-life behaviour, asserting, “This is the reality of these artists. Such behaviour with common people is unfortunate; our real heroes are at the border, not on the film screen.”
The incident has also stirred memories of Nana Patekar’s past controversies, including his involvement in the MeToo movement. In 2018, actress Tanushree Dutta accused him of sexual harassment during the shoot of the 2009 film “Horn ‘Ok’ Pleassss,” contributing to the MeToo movement gaining momentum in India.
“Nana Patekar’s Journey,” the film at the centre of the recent incident, features actor Utkarsh Sharma. The movie, which began filming earlier this month, holds personal significance for Sharma, who stated, “The story is not just close to my heart but also resonates with the essence of every Indian.”
As the video circulates on social media, it prompts reflections on the responsibility of celebrities and the need for respectful behaviour, raising questions about the fine line between a fan’s enthusiasm and a celebrity’s right to personal space. Nana Patekar’s reputation, already marked by past controversies, faces renewed scrutiny in the wake of this latest incident.
