Anuradha Gorkhe Seeks Nana Patekar’s Name for PCMC Hall
Senior corporator highlights actor’s social contribution; tributes paid to Nana Patekar, Madhu Kambikar and Alandi students
Pimpri : Senior corporator Anuradha Gorkhe has demanded that the auditorium in the new building of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) be named after veteran actor Nana Patekar in recognition of his significant contribution to society through the Naam Foundation.
Raising the demand during the civic body’s general body meeting on Thursday (October 15), Gorkhe highlighted Patekar’s efforts to support financially disadvantaged families in rural areas. She also joined other corporators in paying heartfelt tributes to Patekar, veteran actress Madhu Kambikar and children from Alandi who died in a drowning incident at Diveagar.
Gorkhe said Patekar’s social work through the Naam Foundation had provided support to vulnerable sections of society, particularly families in rural areas. Naming the auditorium after him, she suggested, would be a fitting tribute to his contribution beyond the film industry.
During the meeting, corporators recalled the contributions of the departed personalities and expressed grief over the deaths of the children from Alandi.
Corporator Bhausaheb Bhoir described Patekar as an extraordinary personality and recalled how the actor’s work had helped him meet internationally renowned film personalities, including Amitabh Bachchan. He said Patekar established the Naam Foundation after listening to the hardships faced by farming families in Beed district and subsequently extended support to disadvantaged families across rural Maharashtra.
Bhoir also recalled that the first theatrical performance of Madhu Kambikar was staged at the Prof. Ramkrishna More Auditorium in Chinchwad. He said Kambikar had contributed significantly to the artistic world and stressed the need for the civic administration to promote arts, literature and sports through appropriate policies.
Referring to the drowning deaths of the children from Alandi, Bhoir described the incident as deeply unfortunate and emphasised the importance of parents providing appropriate safety instructions to children before allowing them to travel or visit places.
Leader of the House Prashant Shitole called for lessons to be drawn from the tragedy. He stressed that students in PCMC-run schools should also receive training in drowning prevention and water safety.
Following the tributes and discussion, acting Mayor Sharmila Babar announced that the adjourned general body meeting had been postponed until December 15, 2026.
