Veteran Bollywood actor Nana Patekar made headlines on Wednesday when he abruptly left the trailer launch event of the highly anticipated film O’Romeo in Mumbai, sparking buzz across film circles and social media. The unexpected exit occurred after the seasoned star was reportedly kept waiting for over an hour and a half before the event got underway.
The trailer launch, held for filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj’s action-thriller O’Romeo, was meant to showcase the much-anticipated project starring Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri and Patekar himself. However, sources at the event say the programme was delayed significantly, with Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri arriving close to 90 minutes late — long after Patekar had reached the venue on time.
Frustrated by the prolonged wait and shifting schedule, Patekar reportedly chose to exit the venue before the festivities truly began, declining to stay for the trailer unveiling and photo opportunities. The moment quickly became the talk of the evening and was widely circulated online.
Addressing the incident from the stage, director Vishal Bhardwaj offered a candid and humorous take, referring to Patekar as “like the naughtiest child in a classroom — someone who both bullies and entertains.” Bhardwaj explained that Patekar had stood up in his “signature style” and left after waiting.
Social media reactions were swift, with many fans praising Patekar’s decision and stressing the importance of respecting senior actors’ time. Others noted that delays are common at celebrity events, but that Patekar’s early exit added an unexpected twist to an otherwise conventional promotional gathering.
O’Romeo, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and backed by a star ensemble cast, is scheduled to release in theatres on 13 February 2026. Despite the launch event’s hiccup, the trailer has generated strong interest among audiences ahead of the film’s Valentine’s Day premiere.
SHARJAH NEWS | ENTERTAINMENT DESK
