In Mundkur Near Mangaluru, Nana Patekar Is Remembered For More Than His Films

Mangaluru: For many in Maharashtra and Goa, Nana Patekar is known as much for his social work as for his acting. But nearly 800 km away from Bollywood, in the quiet village of Mundkur near Mangaluru, his name lives on in a very different way — in a community hall that bears his name and a portrait and in the memories of people who saw him contribute to the village.

Mundkur is a village in Udupi district, about 35 km from Mangaluru City. Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple here is one of the famous religious places in the region.

The Nana Patekar Auditorium at Mundkur Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple is a reminder of the actor’s long association with the village.

Nana Patekar was a close friend of Sudhakar Shetty, who hailed from Mulladka of Mundkur. It was through this friendship that the actor became familiar with the village, its people and the religious and educational institutions here.

Over the years, his association with Mundkur went beyond friendship. He contributed to educational, religious and social activities in the area and, according to villagers, visited the region many times.

“We have seen him coming here many times. He was a simple person. We had seen him and also experienced his contribution,” a villager recalled.

About two decades ago, Patekar contributed towards the construction of a hall at the Mundkur temple, which was named Sri Nana Patekar Auditorium. He also extended support during the renovation of the temple and to religious activities at places of worship in and around the village.

His contributions were not limited to religious institutions. He joined hands with Sudhar Shetty in the initiative to support educational institutions in Mundkur by helping with facilities such as a library and computer room and providing computers.

Nana also developed a fondness for the people of the region and the Tulu language, which he had mentioned during one of his programs.