Mangaluru: An old video of veteran actor Nana Patekar speaking in Tulu during a visit to Mangaluru has resurfaced on social media, winning appreciation from people in coastal Karnataka and drawing renewed attention to his connection with the region.
The video, recorded during the launch of the six-day Nehada Neyge theatre festival organised by Nirdingatha at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) in Mangaluru, shows the actor addressing the gathering in Tulu. The footage has been shared widely online, with viewers appreciating his effort to speak the local language.
Patekar, known for his distinctive dialogue delivery and performances in Hindi and Marathi cinema, reportedly spoke a few sentences in Tulu, including the words, “Daane encha ullar, math saukyana, illag podhu barpe, Ganganara parkana…” His attempt to connect with the audience in their language was warmly received at the event.
Old video from Mangaluru event resurfaces
The video is from Patekar’s appearance at the Nehada Neyge theatre festival, a six-day programme organised by Nirdingatha at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University).
During the programme, the actor interacted with the audience and spoke in Tulu, the language widely spoken across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. The resurfaced clip has attracted attention because it captures a familiar film personality making an effort to communicate in the language of the coastal region.
The footage was shared on social media by the account Incredible Mangalore, according to Mangalore Today. Its renewed circulation has prompted viewers to revisit the actor’s appearance and his interaction with the local audience.
For many people in coastal Karnataka, language is closely tied to local identity, culture and community life. Patekar’s use of Tulu during the event has therefore become a notable part of the video’s appeal.
Actor also spoke about the importance of voting
Apart from speaking in Tulu, Patekar also shared his views on voting and civic responsibility during his Mangaluru visit.
According to the report, he described voting as an important expression of identity and urged people to make use of the opportunity available to them once every five years. He strongly criticised those who choose not to vote, emphasising the responsibility of citizens to participate in the democratic process.
The remarks reflected the actor’s outspoken public persona. Patekar has often been recognised not only for his screen performances but also for expressing strong views on social and public issues.
The resurfaced footage has consequently drawn attention to both his interaction with the local audience and his message about exercising the right to vote.
Nana Patekar’s connection with coastal Karnataka
Patekar built a long career across theatre, Hindi cinema and Marathi films. A three-time National Film Award winner, he is known for intense performances and a distinctive acting style.
His visit to Mangaluru brought him into contact with audiences in coastal Karnataka, where his decision to speak in Tulu left an impression on those attending the programme.
The video offers a glimpse of that interaction, with the actor using a local language rather than relying entirely on Hindi or English. Such moments can resonate with audiences because they demonstrate an effort to engage with a region’s linguistic and cultural identity.
The renewed interest in the clip also reflects how older recordings can regain popularity on social media, particularly when they capture a memorable public appearance or a personal side of a well-known personality.
Video gains attention on social media
The clip’s circulation has brought Patekar’s Mangaluru appearance back into public discussion. Viewers have been revisiting the footage of the actor speaking Tulu and recalling his participation in the theatre festival.
The video has also highlighted the role of cultural events in bringing artists and audiences from different linguistic backgrounds together. Mangaluru, with its diverse cultural and linguistic traditions, regularly hosts programmes that bring theatre, literature and performing arts into public life.
Patekar’s brief address in Tulu has become a memorable moment from his visit, and the resurfaced footage continues to attract attention among social media users.
The video serves as a reminder that even a short interaction in a local language can leave a lasting impression on an audience. For viewers in coastal Karnataka, Patekar’s effort to speak Tulu has given the old recording renewed significance.