At the O’Romeo trailer launch event in Mumbai on 21 January 2026, a surprising moment stole headlines: veteran Bollywood actor Nana Patekar walked out of the function after waiting nearly an hour for proceedings to begin — reportedly due to delays in the schedule and the late arrival of lead stars Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri.
What Led to the Exit
The trailer launch — organised as a key promotional event ahead of the film’s 13 February 2026 theatrical release — was scheduled to start at noon. Nana Patekar arrived on time, but the event was delayed significantly, with the lead actors arriving around 1:20 PM to 1:30 PM after appearing at a poster launch at another nearby venue.
After waiting for about an hour, the veteran actor opted to leave the venue before the official launch began, apparently frustrated at the delay. Several news outlets and eyewitness accounts confirmed he exited before the trailer itself was unveiled.
Director’s Response
O’Romeo director Vishal Bhardwaj later addressed the situation with the media, describing the incident with characteristic humour and warmth rather than conflict. Bhardwaj — a longtime colleague and friend of Patekar’s — likened him to “the naughtiest kid in class who both bullies and entertains everyone,” and said the actor left in his “signature style,” noting, “You made me wait an hour, I’m going.”
Bhardwaj emphasised his 27-year friendship with Patekar and downplayed any suggestion of bad blood, saying that they weren’t offended by his leaving because that behaviour was part of what made Patekar who he is.
Social Media Reaction
On social media, reactions to Patekar’s departure have been mixed:
- Many fans supported the actor’s choice, applauding his insistence on punctuality and respect for time.
- Others questioned the event management and scheduling, noting that promotional activities for films often involve multiple mini-events and delays.
Despite the unexpected exit, Nana Patekar shared the film’s official trailer on his personal Instagram stories and feed soon after, showing that he remains involved and supportive of the project despite leaving the live event early.
About O’Romeo
O’Romeo — directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and featuring a powerhouse cast including Shahid Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Farida Jalal, Tamannaah Bhatia, Disha Patani, Avinash Tiwary, Vikrant Massey and Patekar — is billed as a dark, intense action-romance set against the gritty underworld of Mumbai. The official trailer that eventually premiered revealed a story driven by passion, violence and survival, with Shahid’s character shaped by both love and vengeance.
The film is produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and is scheduled to release on 13 February 2026, positioning itself as a major Valentine’s Week entry for audiences seeking gritty, character-driven storytelling.
Final Take
Nana Patekar’s early exit from the O’Romeo trailer launch became one of the talked-about moments of the evening, underscoring both the informal culture around Bollywood events and the expectations veteran actors have for professionalism and punctuality. While the incident briefly overshadowed the promotional event, both director Vishal Bhardwaj’s reaction and Patekar’s continued support via social media suggest there’s no rift — just a memorable moment in the lead-up to the film’s release.
