When Nana Patekar made headlines for his alleged relationship with Manisha Koirala after separating from wife, broke up with her for Ayesha Jhulka

Nana with Manisha and Ayesha

Nana Patekar, one of the most respected and enigmatic figures in both Marathi and Bollywood cinema, has always managed to remain a subject of intense media curiosity, particularly when it comes to his personal life. One of the most talked-about aspects of his personal history is his alleged relationship with actress Manisha Koirala, a relationship that was surrounded by controversy and emotional turmoil. Their story, filled with passion and heartbreak, came to a dramatic end, making headlines for several reasons.

The Beginnings of Their Love Story

Nana and Manisha

The sparks between Nana Patekar and Manisha Koirala first ignited in 1996, when the two were cast as the lead pair in the film Agni Sakshi. At the time, Manisha had just ended her relationship with actor Vivek Mushran and was in a vulnerable state emotionally. The set of Agni Sakshi provided the perfect backdrop for her to find solace in the arms of the charismatic Patekar. Manisha, known for her stunning beauty and delicate acting prowess, was drawn to Nana’s intensity and depth. On the other hand, Nana, a man whose mysterious and complex persona had intrigued many, was also taken by her charm. Their chemistry onscreen eventually spilled into real life, and they began a secret relationship.

Nana’s Complicated Marital Situation

However, the circumstances surrounding this romance were far from ideal. Nana was already married to Neelkanti, his wife since 1978, with whom he had shared a rather unconventional marital arrangement. Despite their legal bond, Nana and Neelkanti lived separately, which he explained in an interview as a way of dealing with their “irreconcilable differences” over time. He described his wife as his “pillar of strength,” though their marriage had become more about mutual respect than emotional connection. He once said, “Nilkanti and I shared numerous years of happiness together. We supported each other through thick and thin. But, over the years, we developed certain irreconcilable differences and grew apart. Today, we continue to be married but stay separately.”

Despite his commitment to his wife, Nana’s heart seemed to belong to Manisha during the early years of their relationship. The couple kept their romance hidden for some time, but the public soon caught wind of their affair. After Agni Sakshi’s success, they reunited for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Khamoshi: The Musical, and it was during this period that whispers about their relationship began to surface. According to sources, neighbors even reported seeing Nana frequently visiting Manisha’s house, further fueling the rumors. When asked about these visits, Nana gave a somewhat cryptic response: “She often visited my mother and son and they received her with affection.”

Growing Tensions and Possessiveness

Manisha and Nana

But as with many intense relationships, cracks began to form. Both Nana and Manisha were known for their fiery tempers, and as time passed, Nana’s increasing possessiveness took a toll on their bond. He grew critical of Manisha’s wardrobe choices, particularly when she wore revealing clothes. He also voiced his concerns about her on-screen intimacy with her co-stars. These possessive tendencies only heightened their emotional friction, leading to frequent arguments and misunderstandings. Manisha, in particular, began to feel suffocated, and doubts about their future together began to creep in.

Nana’s Infidelity and the Affair with Ayesha Jhulka

Nana, Manisha and Ayesha

Adding another layer of complexity to their relationship was Nana’s reluctance to divorce his wife. Despite their emotional distance, Nana was unwilling to take the final step of severing ties with Neelkanti and marrying Manisha. This hesitation ultimately pushed Nana into an affair with another actress, Ayesha Jhulka, further complicating his relationship with Manisha. Nana’s relationship with Ayesha was, however, a brief and ill-fated distraction.

The Shocking Betrayal

The tipping point came when Manisha caught Nana and Ayesha in an intimate moment behind closed doors. Devastated and enraged, she confronted the couple. Reports suggest that in a fit of rage, Manisha yelled at Ayesha, calling her a “bi**” and demanding she leave Nana alone. This moment marked the end of their relationship, and Manisha decided to walk away from the man she once loved. She was reportedly shattered by the betrayal, stating that she would never be able to trust again.

Nana’s Mixed Emotions After the Breakup

For Nana, the breakup did not seem to cause immediate emotional turmoil. He continued his relationship with Ayesha for a while, even going public with it. But in an interview later, Nana expressed his deep sorrow over the breakup, revealing just how much it had affected him. “She is the most sensitive actress around. She is like a kasturi hiran, she still needs to realise that she doesn't need to keep pace with anyone. She has it all and that's more than enough. I can barely hold back the tears when I see what she's doing to herself. Maybe I don't have anything to say about her today! A break-up is a very difficult phase. You have to experience it to know the pain. I can't describe the pain I went through. Please, let's not talk about this. I miss Manisha!”

Manisha Moves On From Her Heartbreak

While Nana struggled with his emotions, Manisha moved forward with her life. She dated several men, including DJ Whosane, Crispin Conroy, and Cecil Anthony. In 2010, she married Nepali businessman Samrat Dahal, but this marriage ended in divorce after just two years. Despite the pain of her past, Manisha seemed to find solace in her journey of self-discovery and growth.

Nana Returns to His First Wife

As for Nana, his life took a more somber turn after the tragic death of his son. This loss shattered him, and he ultimately returned to his wife, Neelkanti, who accepted him back with open arms. The couple lives together today, and Nana has found a sense of peace in the family he once distanced himself from.