Indian cinema has lost one of its most intense performers. Nana Patekar has died at 75, and tributes are coming in from across the country.
A Voice That Stood Out
Patekar was known for fierce, unconventional roles and a distinctive way of delivering lines. He won three National Film Awards and received the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours. He also took home four Filmfare Awards and two Maharashtra State Film Awards for acting.
Born Vishwanath Patekar, he began his film career with Gaman in 1978. He later won praise for Parinda and Krantiveer. His performance in Mira Nair’s Salaam Bombay brought him wider recognition abroad.
Fans also remember him as the gangster Uday Shetty in Welcome. He played the role again in the sequel, Welcome Back. Beyond acting, he worked as a filmmaker and playback singer, and he was active in theatre.
Tributes Pour In
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised his versatility and his frank, forthright views. Actor Akshay Kumar, who shared the screen with Patekar in several films, recalled his voice and honesty. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant called the death a huge loss for the country.
Maharashtra’s Cultural Affairs Minister, Ashish Shelar, announced that Patekar would receive a state funeral. He cited the actor’s contribution to Marathi plays and to Marathi and Hindi cinema.
What Happened on Thursday
The actor died early on Thursday, October 8, at his home in Goa. He had suffered severe chest pain. A medical team found him unresponsive.
Doctors tried to revive him with about 45 minutes of CPR. He was declared dead at 5:20 am. The cause is reported as a suspected cardiac arrest. His son, Malhar Patekar, confirmed the death and said it was from natural causes. The death has been registered as a medico-legal case, and a post-mortem was expected.
His Last Public Appearance
Only days earlier, he spoke at a theatre event in Goa. He stressed the need to keep the performing arts alive.
Beyond the Screen
Patekar was also known for supporting farmers and rural communities. He donated the Rs 10 lakh prize from his Raj Kapoor Award to drought-relief efforts in Maharashtra.
He leaves behind a son and a wife from whom he was separated.
