Next year, I will be at the Nationals, confirm!’’ A sign of arrogance? But if the statement is based on an impressive show at the state shooting championships after just four days of practice and if the player in question is actor Nana Patekar, then raise no further doubts. For Patekar has just qualified for the pre-Nationals in air rifle shooting—scoring 532 out of 600 in only the fifth day of his first ever competition. ‘‘Shooting has always been my hobby. But then I was poor and couldn’t afford it. When I started theatre and later films, I had the money but no time. Now that I have decided to do just one or two films a year, I can pursue my interests further,’’ says Patekar over a plate of kanda poha at the Worli shooting range on Friday. He’s also adjusted very quickly to the different types of guns. ‘‘I was in the army for two and half years when I was shooting for Prahaar, remember?’’Coach Vishwajit Shinde vouches for his student’s skill. ‘‘He follows whatever he has been told. This game needs a lot of composure, concentration and focus. Nana has all that.’’ For the Maharashtra Rifle Association (MRA), Patekar reaffirming his love for rifles couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. The 35-year-old shooting range is in bad shape. ‘‘He has helped us in the past in his personal capacity but now he has also offered to help us with our fund-raising drive,’’ says Sheila Kanungo, MRA secretary.‘‘Yes, I will approach others. But before that I will delve into my own pocket and see how much I can give,’’ confirms Patekar. Patekar, coupled with a possible gold medal from the state shooters at the Athens Olympics in August, could well be the lifeline this dying sport needs. Little wonder then that this Ab Tak Chhappan star’s encounter with the sport is one that everyone is pleased about.
