Actress Madhuri Dixit Nene paid tribute to veteran actor Nana Patekar, who was scheduled to appear in the grand premiere episode of the Marathi game show ‘Kon Honar Crorepati’ over the weekend. Madhuri hosts the show, which will premiere on October 12.

Madhuri, who shared screen space with Nana in the 1998 film ‘Wajood’, remembered him as a great artist with a powerful personality. She said his passing marked the loss of a treasured and legendary actor for the film industry.

Actress Sonali Bendre and Nana Patekar were scheduled to appear as the show’s first celebrity guests. The makers also expect several prominent Maharashtrian celebrities to join the show in the coming months.

Sharing her condolences on Instagram, Madhuri wrote, “A great artist, a powerful personality and an unforgettable voice… With Nana Patekar’s passing, the film industry has lost a treasured and legendary actor. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. A heartfelt tribute.”

Reports of Nana Patekar’s sudden demise emerged on October 8. He was 75.

According to a statement attributed to Manipal Hospital in Goa, the veteran actor was found unconscious at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa, and was rushed to the hospital. Doctors declared him brought dead.

Nana and Madhuri worked together in ‘Wajood’, an action film that N. Chandra directed and produced in 1998. The film follows Malhar, who falls in love with Apoorva and believes that her engagement to Nihal has taken place against her wishes. Malhar protests against the engagement, but the police arrest him, eventually pushing him towards a life of crime.

‘Kon Honar Crorepati’ will premiere on October 12 on Sony Marathi and Sony LIV. The show promises to celebrate knowledge, ambition and inspiring personal journeys, highlighting how the pursuit of knowledge can open doors to new opportunities.

The Marathi programme follows the format of the popular Hindi quiz show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, which Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan hosts.

Madhuri has previously appeared as a judge and special guest on several television reality shows. Hosting ‘Kon Honar Crorepati’ marks a new chapter in her television career.

Veteran actor Sachin Khedekar has hosted ‘Kon Honar Crorepati’ for several previous seasons.

Sonali Bendre, who is also scheduled to appear in the premiere episode, has expressed her admiration for Madhuri. Her appearance, along with Nana Patekar’s planned participation, had added to the anticipation surrounding the new season.