Nana Patekar hails Manisha Koirala's performance in 'Heeramandi'; Here's why he didn't call her

Manisha Koirala has made a triumphant return to the entertainment industry after bravely battling cancer. She stars in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi, playing the pivotal role of the matriarch of a courtesan house. Her performance has received widespread acclaim from both audiences and celebrities. Joining in this praise is her co-star, Nana Patekar.

Recently, Nana Patekar appeared on the show Lallantop where he was asked to share his thoughts on various celebrities. When asked about Manisha Koirala, he responded immediately, calling her a "great actress." 

He expressed his sadness over her cancer diagnosis at a young age, describing it as an unfortunate plight. Reflecting on their past work together in films like Agni Sakshi and Yugpurush, Nana mentioned he had watched her performance in Heeramandi and remarked, "Bohot accha kaam kiya. (She's done a very good job in the series)."

When the host inquired whether Nana had personally congratulated her for her role in Heeramandi, he paused before saying, “Phone number woh same nahi hai shayad ab (Her phone number isn’t the same anymore I think).”

For those unaware, rumors in the late 1990s suggested that Nana Patekar and Manisha Koirala were romantically involved after meeting on the sets of their 1996 film Agni Sakshi. Although neither confirmed nor denied the relationship, it was widely speculated that they parted ways due to certain issues.

Nana Patekar has been married to Neelkanti Patekar since 1978, while Manisha Koirala remains single following a brief marriage to Samrat Dahal.