For Nana Patekar, a Roomful of Cellphones Turned Into Torches

Latur, Marathwada: Even as actor Nana Patekar hits the screens once again in a comic role in Welcome Back, on the ground in Maharashtra' drought-hit Latur, it's his image of a serious, no-nonsense man that comes to the forefront.

While distributing cheques of Rs 15,000 to widows of those farmers who committed suicide, the recipients were first asked to come on stage as their names were being announced. But Mr Patekar immediately realised it wasn't practically possible given the large crowds nor was it appropriate.

Without a thought, he told actor Makrand Anaspure that they would go down and distribute the cheques to the widows. A personal touch of humility and sensitivity that immediately made the widows feel more relaxed and comfortable.

And then suddenly, there was a power cut at the hall. For 15 seconds there was a hushed silence as the microphones too turned silent.

And then, suddenly, magic rent the air.

Almost like stars twinkling on a dark moonless night, one by one, people in the alert audience began turning on torches on their mobile phones to ensure the distribution carried on uninterrupted.

Mr Patekar and Mr Anaspure continued with their work aided by the crowd. Five minutes later, the electricity was back.