Tiranga, released in 1993, featured Nana Patekar and Raj Kumar in lead roles. The film was directed by Mehul Kumar.
Both Nana Patekar and Raj Kumar were known for their tough attitude on the sets, so when director Mehul Kumar cast them together for the 1993 film Tiranga, many warned him. In a recent interview, Mehul recalled that Nana had actually put a condition that if Raj Kumar interfered with his work, he would leave the sets. He shared that Raj Kumar had also objected to Nana’s casting as the actor was known for his tough attitude.
Speaking to YouTube channel Shrestha Bharat, Mehul said, “When I cast Nana, he told me that the subject is great, the title is good and I like my character, so I am ready to work, but if Raj Kumar interferes, I will leave the set and will not come back. He put this condition.” After casting Nana, he called Raj Kumar and told him about his decision and said, “I called Raj Kumar. I told him that I have finalised Nana Patekar. He said, ‘Nana abuses on the set, beats people, why did you sign him?'”
Mehul shared his conversation with Raj Kumar and informed him about the actor’s condition. He recalled, “I told him what Nana said that if Raj sahab interferes, I will leave the set.” and shared Raj Kumar’s response, “Mehul, when do I interfere? If you say okay, I don’t say anything. This is our third film together.” He also assured Raj Kumar that Nana had promised him that there would be no problems on the sets. He said that soon after the shooting began, both the actors became friends. “When I shot the song ‘Peele Peele’, they became friends,” he said.
Tiranga also featured Harish Kumar, Mamta Kulkarni and Varsha Usgaonkar. The film was a huge hit upon release and in the years that followed, it gained immense popularity due to its satellite reruns.
