Amitabh Bachchan paid an emotional tribute to Nana Patekar on Kaun Banega Crorepati, calling him an “unparalleled artist” who is no longer among us.

Addressing the studio audience, Bachchan recalled Patekar’s appearance as a guest on the show. The late actor had donated the prize money he won to drought-hit farmers in Maharashtra, a gesture Bachchan described as an example of his commitment to social service.

“His fearlessness, his simplicity, and his courage to call the truth exactly as it was — these qualities made him truly different,” Bachchan said.

The two actors worked together in films including Kohram. Bachchan also praised Patekar’s social work in Maharashtra’s villages, where he reached out to farmers personally.

Patekar died on October 8 at 75 after a cardiac arrest. His cremation at his Pune farmhouse was attended by family members and industry colleagues. The tribute aired as the nation continued to mourn one of its most fearless actors.