Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj on Wednesday offered a candid and characteristically wry explanation for Nana Patekar’s absence from the trailer launch of ‘O Romeo’, after the veteran actor chose to leave the venue due to a prolonged delay. Bhardwaj likened Patekar to “that kid in the class who bullies everyone but also entertains,” underlining the actor’s famously uncompromising nature and unapologetic individuality.

According to a PTI report, Patekar, 75, arrived at the venue and was seen by cameramen outside, but did not stay back for the main event after the trailer launch was reportedly delayed by nearly an hour. The event eventually went ahead in his absence, with Bhardwaj, Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri present to unveil the trailer and interact with the media.

When questioned by reporters about Patekar not being on stage, Bhardwaj responded with humour and honesty, suggesting that such behaviour is intrinsic to the actor’s personality. He implied that Patekar does not believe in waiting for formalities to fall into place and prefers to move on if things do not proceed on time, a trait that has long defined both his personal conduct and professional reputation.

The filmmaker’s remarks appeared to be less a defence and more an acknowledgment of Patekar’s temperament, which has often set him apart in the industry. Known for his bluntness, discipline and disdain for delays or pretence, Patekar has built a career on being forthright, whether on set or off it.

Despite the brief disruption, the trailer launch of ‘O Romeo’ proceeded smoothly, with the cast and director speaking about the film and its themes. Patekar’s absence, however, quickly became a talking point, prompting Bhardwaj’s now-viral comment that, for many, neatly summed up why Nana Patekar remains one of Hindi cinema’s most formidable and unpredictable personalities.