Nana Patekar was set to appear on ‘Kon Honar Crorepati’ premiere with Madhuri Dixit this weekend, Sonali Bendre replaces him after his death |

Veteran actor Nana Patekar was set to be one of the first guests on the new season of ‘Kon Honar Crorepati’, but his sudden death at the age of 75 has changed the plans for the quiz show. Sonali Bendre will now be the celebrity guest in the opening episode, with Madhuri Dixit stepping in as host. The two actors will appear together on screen for the first time.
Nana Patekar was to reunite with Madhuri Dixit
According to the Hindustan Times report, Nana Patekar was expected to appear on the premiere and meet Madhuri Dixit again, years after their 1998 film ‘Wajood’. He passed away on Thursday, October 8, the same day he was scheduled to shoot for the show. His demise forced the makers to rework the premiere plans, and Sonali then joined Madhuri for the episode.
Madhuri Dixit’s emotional tribute
Madhuri Dixit, who worked with Nana Patekar in ‘Wajood’, paid her respects in an Instagram post. She wrote, “A great artist, a powerful personality and an unforgettable voice… With Nana Patekar’s passing, the film industry has lost a treasured and legendary actor. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. A heartfelt tribute.”
A new chapter for the Marathi quiz show
‘Kon Honar Crorepati’ will premiere on Monday, October 12, at 9 PM. The new season brings a big change, as the show now has a female host. The premiere will also bring Madhuri and Sonali together on screen for the first time. Despite long careers in Hindi cinema, the two have never worked together in a film.
Sonali Bendre on the hot seat
Sonali will play in the opening episode for the Happy Pet Foundation. She has often spoken up for animal welfare, and in the episode she also talks about her work in this space and her Happy Podcast. Her appearance combines the quiz format with a cause close to her heart.
Madhuri and Sonali talk about family
The episode also shows the personal side of both actors. They discuss running a household and why sharing responsibilities matters, instead of taking everything on alone. Sonali shares a light-hearted detail, revealing that her mother-in-law never lets her work in the kitchen.
What they said about sharing the screen
For Madhuri Dixit, the episode is special because she finally gets to share screen space with Sonali Bendre. According to the report, speaking about their first collaboration, she said, “Sonali and I have never done a film together. But it’s never too late! Today, we’re finally together on the sets of Kon Honar Crorepati. It’s a celebration, and I’m glad that I am starting this new chapter with you. Sharing the screen with you feels like such a special occasion. It is a celebration for me.”Sonali Bendre, a long-time admirer of Madhuri Dixit, welcomed her as the new host. She said, “Kon Honar Crorepati now has a female host, and who could be better than Madhuri? I have always been a Madhuri Dixit fan, but I’ve also gotten to know her better. Her younger son and my son go to school together, so we meet often, but sharing screen space has never happened.”She also explained why she feels Madhuri Dixit suits the role, pointing to her warmth, acting and dancing. Sonali Bendre added, “I’m not surprised at all about Madhuri as a host because she’s such a warm person. Having known that warmth in her, I always knew she would be a very good host. She’s a fantastic actress—there are no two ways about it. I have always admired her fabulous dancing, and I did get to see her dance here on the set. So that was fantastic for me. If someone out there is watching or listening, please write something for the two of us. I would love it!”

When and where to watch ‘Kon Honar Crorepati’
The new season will feature several well-known personalities from Maharashtra in the coming months. With Madhuri as host, the show begins a new chapter under the tagline ‘Aata Khel Badalnaar’ (Now, the game will change).‘Kon Honar Crorepati’ premieres on Sony Marathi on Monday, October 12, at 9 PM.
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