For the first time ever, legendary actor Nana Patekar graced Indian television’s most beloved singing show, Indian Idol 15. This special episode, aptly titled “Bebak Nana”, paid homage to his remarkable career. With his sharp humour and honest reflections, Nana’s presence elevated the episode, creating unforgettable moments for viewers.
Along with the cast of the upcoming film Vanvaas—Utkarsh Sharma, Simrat Kaur, and director Anil Sharma joined the show. However, it was Ritika Raj, known as “Idol ki Basanti,” who stole the show. Her soulful performances of Bindiya Chamkegi and Leke Pehla Pehla Pyaar mesmerized the judges and audience alike, earning thunderous applause.
The surprises didn’t stop there. Ritika’s mother appeared on the stage as a fan, delighting her daughter and the audience. Their lively conversation led to a hilarious exchange with Nana. Known for his quick wit, Nana asked Ritika’s mother about other family members. When she replied her husband and her son, Nana quipped, “Woh bol paate hain, kabhi?” The audience erupted in laughter, savouring the playful banter.
Badshah, one of the judges, became the focus during the comedic back-and-forth. Ritika’s mother curiously asked about rapping, prompting Nana to tease the genre. He humorously suggested, “Aap jo bol rahe ho, uske peeche rhythm daal do toh wo bhi rap ban jayega.” He then challenged Badshah to perform live, jokingly admitting, “Beta, maine kabhi tumhe suna nahi.” Badshah replied that if Nana had heard him before he wouldn’t have met him so nicely. This lighthearted moment showcased Nana’s effortless charm and knack for humor.
A more emotional turn came during Nana’s conversation with contestant Myscmme Bosu, known as the “Ziddi Girl” of the show. Myscmme, an avid believer in numerology, playfully predicted that fellow contestant Manasi Ghosh would win the competition. Nana, intrigued, asked her to guess his age. Confidently, she answered 44, only to be met with laughter when Nana revealed he was 75. She laughed at her mistake, saying, “Sir, flop ho gaya!”
In a poignant moment, Nana offered Myscmme heartfelt advice. He urged her to focus on her gift instead of relying on gemstones and numerology. “Forget numerology,” he said. “Sing with all your heart. That’s what matters. You don’t need stones—you have talent.” His words struck a chord, especially when Myscmme performed Yeh Dil Sunn Raha Hai from Nana’s iconic film Khamoshi. Her soulful rendition moved him deeply, transporting him back to his early days in the film industry. He praised her performance, urging her to believe in her abilities.
Hosted by Aditya Narayan, Indian Idol 15 continues its legacy of discovering and nurturing exceptional talent. With an esteemed judging panel comprising Vishal Dadlani, Shreya Ghoshal, and Badshah, this season promises more heartwarming stories and breathtaking performances. Nana Patekar’s appearance added a unique blend of laughter, wisdom, and emotion, reminding viewers of the true power of music and perseverance.