Consider Nana Patekar my father figure: Ali Fazal

Mumbai: Ali Fazal says veteran actor Nana Patekar is often misunderstood and is infact a "wonderful person", who he considers like his father.

Ali is working with the "Welcome Back" star in the forthcoming film "Tadka" for the first time.

"I was very scared before shooting with him. Everyone had said he is danger, be scared, he is intimidating. But he is such a beautiful person. The thing is, he is such a close person, people need to know him more," Ali told PTI.

The "Fukrey" actor says he looks up to Nana not only because of the advices he has given him, but the way he has battled all adversities in life.

"He is one of the most wonderful people I've met in my life. I consider him a father figure, not just because of the advices he has given me but the way he is. He has gone through his own hardships in life and come up where he is."

Directed by Prakash Raj, "Tadka" is an adaptation of the Malayalam blockbuster "Salt N' Pepper". The romantic comedy is set in Goa and chronicles how food is something which binds people together, even strangers.

Ali says food became a bonding point even for the stars in the film, especially when Nana invited them home where they got a glimpse of his humility.

"He called us home, cooked food, served it, and didn't even sit once. There was not a single maid I could see in the kitchen. He made the whole meal, all by himself, which really touched me. He is absolutely humble and grounded."

The film also stars Shriya Saran and Taapsee Pannu and Ali, 29, is looking forward to the movie.

"I am gung-ho about it. Prakash is a fabulous director and I am so excited for the film. It's a great story and an amazing cast in place."

He will be next seen in "Fukrey 2".