Nana Patekar’s viral laugh from Welcome remains a WhatsApp favourite

The actor’s memorable movie scene remains a WhatsApp favourite, delighting fans once again

Last updated: October 09, 2026 | 14:57

Devadasan K P, Chief Visual Editor

2 MIN READ

Nana Patekar’s expressive laugh in a scene from the Bollywood comedy Welcome (2007) has become a popular reaction meme, widely shared across social media and WhatsApp.

Dubai: A few seconds of laughter can say more than a thousand words. For years, a video of veteran Bollywood actor Nana Patekar bursting into laughter has been shared across WhatsApp chats, social media posts, reels and memes. Following his death at 75 on October 8, the clip has taken on a more emotional meaning for fans.

Also Read: Nana Patekar’s final video: Actor dances, plays music days before death

The laughing moment is among the actor’s most recognisable internet memes, showing how his expressions could entertain audiences well beyond the films in which they first appeared.

Patekar was known for his intense performances, powerful delivery of dialogue, and ability to move effortlessly between serious roles and comedy. His portrayal of gangster Uday Shetty in the 2007 comedy Welcome became particularly popular online, with several scenes and expressions turning into widely shared reaction memes.

His distinctive laugh became a ready-made response to funny, surprising or unbelievable situations. Instead of typing a long reply, social media users could simply share the clip to express amusement, disbelief or sarcasm.

The renewed circulation of his videos highlights the unusual way cinema lives on in the digital age. Scenes from films released years ago continue to reach younger audiences through memes, short videos and messaging apps.

Patekar’s legacy extends far beyond viral clips. Over a career spanning nearly five decades, he earned acclaim for performances in films including Parinda, Krantiveer and Ab Tak Chhappan, while also winning recognition for his work in Marathi cinema.

As fans remember the actor, his laughter and unforgettable screen expressions remain part of the everyday online conversations that helped introduce his work to a new generation.

Also In This Package

Akshay Kumar mourns Nana Patekar: 'One of a kind'

Akshay Kumar mourns Nana Patekar, recalls ‘one of a kind’ Welcome co-star: 'That voice, that intensity...'

Nana Patekar dies at 75: 10 films that made him a star

Nana Patekar dies at 75: 10 films that defined a legendary career

Devadasan K PChief Visual Editor

Devadasan K P is the Chief Visual Editor at Gulf News, bringing more than 27 years of experience in photojournalism to the role. He leads the Visual desk with precision, speed, and a strong editorial instinct. Whether he’s selecting images of royalty, chasing the biggest celebrity moments in Dubai, or covering live events himself, Devadasan is always a few steps ahead of the action. Over the years, he has covered a wide range of major assignments — including the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, feature reportage from Afghanistan, the IMF World Bank meetings, and wildlife series from Kenya. His work has been widely recognised with industry accolades, including the Minolta Photojournalist of the Year award in 2005, the Best Picture Award at the Dubai Shopping Festival in 2008, and a Silver Award from the Society for News Design in 2011. He handles the newsroom pressure with a calm attitude, a quick response time, and his signature brand of good-natured Malayali humour. There's no fuss — just someone who gets the job done very well, every single time.

Get Updates on Topics You Choose

Up Next