Nana Patekar’s Legacy of Helping Maharashtra’s Farmers

Patekar along with his colleague Makarand Anaspure started the NAAM Foundation in 2015 to help the people of Maharashtra who were suffering from the consequences of the agricultural crisis. The organization was formed during one of the worst drought periods in Maharashtra, especially in Marathwada region.

The foundation focused on water conservation and helped the affected farmers and villagers. It worked towards bringing back the old canals, reservoirs, and water bodies, and utilized the existing ones to conserve water. It also helped the people who were affected by farmer suicides.

Nana Patekar’s NAAM Foundation contributions

 In addition to the above, the NAAM Foundation took care of the basic amenities for the villagers. It also worked towards helping the affected families of the farmers who committed suicides. The foundation’s contribution is helping Maharashtra to overcome agricultural distress and water shortage in the state.

Patekar has been actively participating in various events to create awareness about the cause and has been raising funds for the same. In his recent appearance on the show Kaun Banega Crorepati 16 in December 2024, the actor bagged a prize money of 15.7 lakh. This was done in association with his Marathi show Vanvaas’s cast members. It was the actor’s way of contributing to the NAAM Foundation.

Moreover, in 2021, the actor participated in the Marathi Kon Honaar Crorepati show and the winning amount of 50 lakh was donated to the NAAM Foundation to take care of the needs of the drought-affected farmers and the families of those who lost their lives due to farmer suicides.

 While his work in films brought the actor to the limelight, his association with Maharashtra’s rural areas is his most enduring legacy. His contribution towards water conservation, social work, and taking care of the needs of the farmers and their families will always be remembered. This is an indelible mark of the veteran actor in the state’s social services history.