Actor was felicitated by CM Yogi Adityanath
The collaboration resulted in Scam Files: Digital Arrest, a 5.27-minute cyber-awareness film based on a real digital-arrest attempt in Kanpur. Directed by Raj Shandilya and scripted by IPS officer and DGP PRO Rahul Srivastava, the film has garnered nearly 1.90 crore views across platforms. On the force’s social-media platforms, it has recorded 24.89 lakh views and 57,600 likes, including 14 lakh views on YouTube, 8.1 lakh on Instagram, 1.76 lakh on X and 1.02 lakh on Facebook.
Lucknow: A familiar screen cop for decades, Nana Patekar has worked with only one real police force for a public-awareness campaign: the Uttar Pradesh Police. Unlike his police roles in films, Patekar plays a vigilant citizen who refuses to fall prey to cyber fraudsters. After learning how fraudsters impersonate police officers and officials to dupe victims, Patekar decided to take up the project despite a packed schedule. For an actor known for portraying tough policemen, it was a role reversal. Instead of chasing criminals onscreen, he helped real police officers warn citizens about cyber criminals. The film has emerged as one of UP Police’s most-viewed awareness campaigns. UP Police is now planning another awareness project focused on artificial intelligence and its misuse in cybercrime. UP DGP Rajeev Krishna wrote on X: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Padma Shri awardee Nana Patekar ji. His powerful and versatile performances enriched Indian cinema and touched generations of viewers. I remain grateful for his gracious presence at the Lucknow launch of UP Police’s short film ‘Scam Files: Digital Arrest,’ based on a real incident. His memorable performance in the film will always be cherished. Om Shanti. ”