Nana Patekar and Raaj Kumar were both known for their difficult attitude on set so when director Mehul Kumar cast them together for the 1993 film Tirangaa, many people warned him. In a recent interview, Mehul recalled that Nana actually put forth a condition that if Raaj Kumar interferes in his work, he will leave the set. He shared that even Raaj Kumar raised his objections to Nana’s casting as the actor was known for his rough attitude.
In a chat with the YouTube channel Shreshth Bharat, Mehul shared, “When I cast Nana, he told me that the subject is great, the title is good, and I like my character, so I am ready to work but if Raaj Kumar interferes, then I will leave the set and I won’t come back. He put forth that condition.” He recalled calling Raaj Kumar after casting Nana to tell him about the decision and shared, “I called Raaj Kumar. I told him I have finalised Nana Patekar. He said, ‘Nana abuses on set, beats people up, why did you sign him?’”
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Mehul shared his conversation with Raaj Kumar and told him about the actor’s condition. “I told him what Nana said that if Raaj saab interfers, then I will leave the set,” he recalled and shared Raaj Kumar’s response, “Mehul, when do I interfere? If you say okay, then I don’t say anything. This is our third film together.” He also recalled assuring Raaj Kumar that Nana had given him his word that there would no problem on the set. He shared that soon after they started shooting, the two actors became friends. “After I shot the song ‘Peele peele’, they became friends,” he shared.
Tirangaa also starred Harish Kumar, Mamta Kulkarni and Varsha Usgaonkar. The film was a massive hit when it released and in the years since, has gained a lot of popularity because of its satellite reruns.
