Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, Oct 8: Veteran actor and filmmaker Nana Patekar known for his versatility and powerful screen presence, died after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Goa. He was 75.
According to sources, Patekar – who was at home with his nephew Prasad Patekar – had been complaining of a headache since last night. The actor was later found unconscious, following which he was rushed to the hospital. Information shared by Manipal Hospital said the doctors tried to revive him for almost 45 minutes after he was brought in, but there was no response.
The actor was declared dead at 5:20 am. Patekar’s funeral will be held on Friday at 4 PM with state honours in Pune.
Patekar was known for his roles in several Hindi and Marathi films. His notable Hindi movies include “Salaam Bombay”, “Parinda”, “Prahaar: The Final Act”, “Tirangaa”, “Krantiveer” and “Khamoshi: The Musical.”
Patekar was a recipient of three National Film Awards, several Filmfare Awards, the Maharashtra State Film Award and Filmfare Awards Marathi. He had also received Padma Shri, the country’s fourth-highest civilian honour.
Born on January 1, 1951, in Maharashtra, Nana Patekar established himself as an actor known for his intensity, dialogue delivery, and ability to portray complex and unconventional characters. A recipient of three National Film Awards, he was known for his work in films such as Natsamrat, Wajood, Parinda, Ab Tak Chhappan and Yeshwant, among others.
He made his Bollywood debut in the 1978 film ‘Gaman’. During the early 2000s, Patekar received praise for his performances in Shakti: The Power (2002), Ab Tak Chhappan (2004), Apaharan (2005), and Taxi No 9211 (2006). He also received widespread praise for playing the gangster ‘Uday Shetty’ in the comedy Welcome (2007) and its sequel Welcome Back (2015).
The actor also played a supporting role in the comedy thriller ‘Housefull 5’. He was also a part of the political thriller Raajneeti (2010) – which earned him his fifth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.
In 2016, he won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his performance in Marathi film ‘Natsamrat.’ Patekar was also a recipient of the Padma Shri – which was awarded to him in 2013 for his contribution to cinema and the arts. He was also known for playback singing in the films Yeshwant (1997), Wajood (1998), and Aanch (2003).
Behind Nana Patekar’s effortless acting, which won him accolades, was a socially conscious citizen committed to helping families of farmers who had committed suicide in Maharashtra’s Marathwada region. The veteran actor had come up with the idea of providing ‘Aarogya cards’ to the wives of about 500 farmers who had died by suicide, enabling them to avail themselves of free medical treatment at the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for nearly five years, recalled an official of MGM University.
Patekar had worked in the drought-prone areas of Marathwada and extended the support through the NAAM Foundation, which he founded along with Marathi actor Makarand Anaspure in 2016.
Nana Patekar was last seen publicly four days ago in Goa’s Dona Paula, where he attended and addressed the Samraat Club International installation ceremony. Beyond Indian cinema, he was known for his association with social causes – especially his efforts to support farmers and families affected by agrarian distress.
Leaders across the spectrum condoled the demise of veteran actor Nana Patekar, calling it a great loss to Indian cinema while Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was a ‘Krantiveer’ who attacked social evils through films.
President Droupadi Murmu said Patekar’s commitment to social service reflected his concern for the underprivileged. “Through his powerful and deeply evocative performances, he brought to life a wide range of human experiences. He portrayed characters that left a lasting imprint on the hearts and minds of people,” she said in a post on X.
Expressing his condolence, Mr Modi said his passing “leaves a deep void.” “Few actors possessed the intensity, individuality and unmistakable presence that Shri Nana Patekar Ji had. He brought remarkable versatility and creativity to every role and gave us characters that will be remembered for generations. He was also admired for his frank and forthright views, never hesitating to express what he believed in,” he said on X.
Actor Shah Rukh Khan took to social media to pen a long note to remember his bond with the veteran actor. Shah Rukh posted a still from their film, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman (1992) and recounted the moment when he met Nana for the first time. “Out of awe and awkwardness I fiddled with my hair. He slapped my hand away and said ‘hero ki tarah Baal mat bana…tu actor hai’! He didn’t flatter you. He didn’t tell you what you wanted to hear. He told you what you needed to hear. That was Nana,” wrote Shah Rukh.
Actor Prakash Raj said, “Miss you my dear Nana ji. Will cherish the moments spent, conversations, arguments.. the food you cooked.. knowledge you shared . thank you for coming into my life’s journey.” Actor-politician Ravi Kishan, in a post on X, said he used to share a “close bond” with Patekar. “We would converse from time to time. From his acting, simplicity, and perspective on life, I learned a great deal. He always offered affection and encouragement. His departure is a great personal loss for me as well,” he said.
Actor Riteish Deshmukh said Patekar’s death felt like a “truck hit.” “An actor par excellence, incomparable to anyone, he carved his place in people’s hearts with his own unique style and brand of acting. There wasn’t a role or a character he couldn’t perform. He aced it all – a larger-than-life hero, a terrifying villain or be it his poker-faced comedy,” he said. Deshmukh called Patekar a “hero – on and off screen.”
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale said the Sangh joins the entire nation in deeply mourning his passing and extended condolences to his family and admirers. “As an actor, Nana established a distinctive persona, and throughout his long artistic career, he not only exemplified excellence in acting but also inspired people to engage in positive discussions on numerous socially significant topics,” the statement said.
In a post on X, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of veteran actor Shri Nana Patekar. His remarkable performances, immense and versatile contribution to Indian cinema and compassion for farmers and the underprivileged will always be remembered.” “My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers,” Mr Kharge said.
In his post in Hindi on X, Rahul Gandhi said the news of Patekar’s demise is extremely heart-breaking. “Through his acting and characters, he has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema and in the hearts of audiences,” Mr Gandhi said.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the news of Patekar’s sudden demise is extremely heart-breaking. Congress general secretary in-charge organisation K.C. Venugopal also condoled Patekar’s demise.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant mourned the death of the veteran actor, remembering him not just as one of Indian cinema’s finest actors, but as a close friend and a committed social worker who had developed a deep connection with Goa. “I am with the family in this moment of grief,” he said as tributes poured in for the actor. Recalling his personal association with Patekar, Sawant said the actor would make it a point to call him whenever he was in Goa. “He was a good friend. Every time he would come to Goa, he would personally call me,” the Chief Minister said.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also mourned the death of Patekar, saying the two shared “very close and friendly relations.” “The news of the demise of veteran actor Nana Patekar from the Indian film world is extremely shocking and heart-breaking. My heartfelt condolences to him. Nana and I shared very close and friendly relations. Through his powerful acting, Nana Patekar dominated the hearts of discerning audiences for over five decades via Marathi and Hindi cinema. With his distinctive style of dialogue delivery, he immortalized many characters in films and created his unique identity. His departure is a great loss to the Indian film industry,” Gadkari wrote in a post on X.
The minister called Patekar’s work in Maharashtra in the fields of water conservation and watershed management through the ‘Naam Foundation’ “noteworthy and significant.” “The helping hand he extended to the families of farmers who committed suicide became a support for many families. Nana was not only an excellent artist-actor but also a personality sensitive towards society. May God grant peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti,” he added.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari expressed condolences on X, calling Patekar one of the “fiercest, most genuine and irreplaceable voices.” “Deeply shocked and heartbroken to wake up to the devastating news of the sudden passing of legendary actor Shri Nana Patekar Ji. Indian Cinema has lost one of its fiercest, most genuine and irreplaceable voices. Nana Ji didn’t merely play roles; he breathed raw, unapologetic truth into every character,” he said.
The Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also mourned Patekar’s death. “Deeply saddened by the passing of veteran actor Shri Nana Patekar. With his extraordinary talent, powerful screen presence and unforgettable performances, he gave Indian cinema some truly memorable characters. Beyond the screen, his compassion for farmers and commitment to serving society reflected the depth of his character,” he said.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed grief over the death of legendary actor Nana Patekar, and said that he was a true nationalist. “Vishwanath Patekar was more than a versatile actor; he was a true nationalist. Of all his roles, we’ll miss most the ones where he held up a mirror to society with his plain speak, on screen and off. Voices like his come once in a generation,” Mr Sarma said in a social media post.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in a post on X, said Nana was a renowned actor, a powerful theatre artiste and a sensitive social worker whose contribution to Indian cinema was immense. “His demise is an irreparable loss to the world of art. Nana enriched Indian cinema through his exceptional acting and his social concerns.”
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said Patekar carved a distinct niche for himself in Indian cinema through his powerful acting and impactful dialogue delivery, and that his vibrant performances across diverse roles enriched Hindi cinema. “His passing is an irreparable loss to the film and art world.”
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said Patekar, through his versatile personality and outstanding contribution, carved out a special place in the hearts of countless people. The CM prayed to Lord Mahakal to grant the departed soul a place at his feet and give strength to Patekar’s family members and fans to bear the loss.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in a post on X, said, “Through his extraordinary acting skills, simple personality and social concerns, he left an indelible mark in both the fields of art and social service. His death is an irreparable loss to the world of art and cinema. His contribution and memories will always remain alive among us.”
Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. Chandrababu Naidu posted, “His remarkable performances and immense contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered for admirers. May his soul rest in peace.”
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and several other leaders condoled the demise of Patekar.
Revanth Reddy said Patekar’s powerful performances and natural acting left an indelible mark on Hindi and Marathi cinema. The CM conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and admirers, and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
Kishan Reddy said the renowned actor’s powerful performances, distinctive voice and immense contribution to Indian cinema earned him a special place in the hearts of millions. Beyond the screen, Patekar’s compassion and commitment to social causes reflected his deep connection with society, he said in a post on ‘X’.
Pawan Kalyan, in a release, said Patekar’s performance in ‘Krantiveer’ is unforgettable. He also recalled Patekar’s memorable performance in other films, including ‘Khamoshi’, ‘Parinda’ and ‘Agni Sakshi’. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family members.
Actor K. Chiranjeevi said in a post, “Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Nana Patekar. An extraordinary actor with a powerful screen presence and artistic journey uniquely his own that left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Beyond the screen, his compassion for farmers and his service through his Foundation reflected his commitment to helping those in need. His legacy of art and humanity will always be remembered.”