Ali Fazal remembers Nana Patekar's home-cooked meal and unkept promise

Ali Fazal has paid an emotional tribute to Nana Patekar, who died on Thursday, remembering a meal the veteran actor once cooked for him and a visit that never happened.

Sharing a photo of the two of them on social media, Ali wrote that just a few weeks ago Nana had promised to come home and bless his daughter, Zuneyra Ida Fazal. He said he was heartbroken by the news and called the loss "a dent in world cinema". Reports say Nana suffered a cardiac arrest at his home.

The Fukrey actor also remembered being cooked for at Nana's house, calling it "one of the best meals I've had." In his words, Nana's aura went far beyond his acting, he cared deeply for the country, and the talks between them were left unfinished. Ali signed off with "With love, Ali."

That warmth off screen is something his colleagues have spoken about for years. Marathi star Ashok Saraf, who acted with Nana in the play Hamidabaichi Kothi, has said many times that he is "totally indebted to Nana" for saving his life. That was the night a crowd turned violent at one of their shows, and Nana got him out.