Pune: Nana Patekar praises Ajit Pawar, explains why he did not join politics

Pune: Actor Nana Patekar on Saturday said that politics is not his cup of tea but he has friends in politics. He said he has no business to comment on any political issue or politician. He praised leaders from both alliances in the State, particularly Ajit Pawar.

Patekar was addressing the media after a function held on the occasion of the Nam Foundation’s 9th anniversary at the Ganesh Kala Krida Manch. Actor Makarand Anaspure, who is a co-founder of the Nam Foundation, was present. Earlier during the function, DyCM Devendra Fadnavis and State Minister Uday Samant were present.

During the press meet, Patekar and Anaspure reviewed the work being carried out by their NGO across the State. When asked to comment on his name being circulated for the Khadakwasla Assembly segment, Nana Patekar said, “Politics is not my cup of tea. But I have friends in politics. One should understand who to choose as friends. There are many good people in politics and bad people too. I am a misfit in politics because I immediately react to a particular issue or person. If I speak my mind, they will kick me out. One is supposed to learn to keep mum at times.”

When asked to comment on the splits in the Shiv Sena and the NCP, he said, “Is it related to the Nam Foundation? You should ask this question to Ajit Pawar. I am friends with Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray. I do not speak about their personal lives. When you decide to work for a cause, then you speak only about it. I have no right to comment about anyone else.

“Sharad Pawar is a big politician working for so many decades. Similarly, Ajit Pawar is also a big leader in his own right. Uddhav Thackeray is working in his own way. I have no right to comment on them. If I pass a judgment on Devendra Fadnavis or Narendra Modi, it will be of no consequence. Therefore, I avoid speaking about politicians.”