First he spent time there for his movie, 'Prahar'
Later, he was there during kargil war
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/actor-nana-patekar-lives-among-soldiers-in-kargil-action-for-over-a-fortnight/1/256065.html
Nana Patekar's war record
Nana Patekar was never enrolled in the armed forces. During the preparation for Prahaar, the script required him to familiarise himself with the details of an army training course. The simplest way was to practise at an actual army camp, which he did.
His dedication to this research was so intense that he was conferred an honorary title. This is something that's routinely done to celebrities, politicians, dignitaries and filmstars. It doesn't mean you're fit to go into combat, it's just a mark of respect, like an honorary degree from a university.
It's true that when the Kargil conflict began in May this year, Patekar did call his army contacts and offer his services in any capacity. But the army didn't immediately send him off to the frontline to battle Pakistani intruders, as some people mistakenly think.
Instead, he received a special permit to visit the army camps there, to meet the units on active duty and to bunk with them. This was a special privilege and, obviously, the army granted it because it wouldn't hurt the morale of the jawans to have a major star staying with them.
Although, as one bright major put it, "We would have been maha khush if Sonali Bendre stayed with us!"
But at least Patekar's intentions were genuine and heartfelt. The fact that he arrived there without a photographer in tow and was willing to rough it out with the jawans earned him a great deal of respect.
And respect is something the army and civilians in J&K don't usually feel for the film industry.
http://www.rediff.com/entertai/1999/nov/16karg.htm
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