Cinema

Nana Patekar's son Malhar chose filmmaking over acting and stayed away from the spotlight

After Nana Patekar's death in Goa at the age of 75, attention has turned to his only son, Malhar Patekar. Unlike his father, Malhar did not pursue a sustained acting career. He worked behind the camera as an assistant director while keeping his personal life largely outside public view.

Editor: AI News 24x7 Published: 08 Oct 2026, 09:52 PM Updated: 08 Oct 2026, 09:52 PM

Nana Patekar's son Malhar chose filmmaking over acting and stayed away from the spotlight.

Nana Patekar's death has brought renewed attention to the actor's family, including his only son, Malhar Patekar. Nana died in Goa at the age of 75 after a cardiac arrest on 8 October, and Malhar was among the family members who confirmed the news.

While Nana built a major career in acting, Malhar chose a different path within cinema. He did not seek the same public profile as his father and has generally remained away from regular media attention. His work has instead been linked to filmmaking and roles behind the camera.

Malhar Patekar's education and career choice

Malhar is the son of Nana Patekar and Neelakanti Patekar. He studied at Saraswati Mandir High School in Mumbai and later graduated in commerce. After completing his education, he moved towards film production and began working as an assistant director.

His career choice placed him closer to the technical and creative process of making films than to the constant visibility associated with acting. Although he grew up around the film industry, he did not use his father's popularity to build a conventional star career.

Malhar's interest in cinema began early. However, his professional direction developed around filmmaking rather than regular appearances in front of the camera. That distinction has remained a notable part of his public identity.

Early appearance with his father

Malhar did appear on screen as a child artist in the film 'Prahaar: The Final Attack', released in 1991. Nana directed the film and also acted in it, giving Malhar an early opportunity to work alongside his father.

That appearance did not lead to a continuing acting career. Malhar later worked as an assistant director on Ram Gopal Varma's film 'The Attacks of 26/11'. The role connected him with the production process and reflected his interest in the wider making of a film.

He also has an acting credit in 'The Little Godfather', released in 2014. Joy Augustine directed the film, in which Malhar appeared in a supporting role alongside Angad Bedi, who also had an important part.

Despite these screen appearances, Malhar did not continue by pursuing prominent acting opportunities. He gave greater importance to work behind the scenes and kept away from the glamour and publicity often associated with film families.

A private life away from constant attention

Malhar has only occasionally been seen with Nana at public events. His approach to public life was markedly quieter than that of his father, who was known as an outspoken and widely discussed actor.

Following Nana's death, Malhar's name came into wider public focus because of his role in confirming the news. Information also emerged about plans for Nana's last rites at the Patekar family farmhouse in Donje village near Pune.

Malhar's professional journey stands apart from the route often associated with children of established film personalities. Instead of making acting his principal career, he pursued filmmaking and gained experience in an assistant director's role.

Conclusion

Malhar Patekar has maintained a low public profile while building a connection with cinema through filmmaking and selected screen appearances. His career reflects a decision to work beyond the spotlight rather than follow Nana Patekar's path as a leading actor.