Veteran actor and filmmaker Nana Patekar 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 that 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 son, Malhar Patekar, was in Pune and has left for Goa, sources said.
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).
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.
Politicians, celebrities mourn Nana Patekar's death
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 told media, 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 heartbreaking. 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.
Mentioning the actor's top movies like 'Parinda', 'Krantiveer', 'Prahaar', and 'Ab Tak Chappan', Adhikari said, "His craft set a benchmark that few could ever hope to reach."
" Beyond the silver screen, his simplicity, profound humility, and selfless devotion to social causes and rural communities reflected the true greatness of his soul. Rest in peace, Nana Patekar Ji. Your voice, your fiery spirit and your towering legacy will remain etched in our hearts forever. Deepest condolences to his family, friends, and millions of admirers worldwide," the Chief Minister added.
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.
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 that 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 that 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".
