Veteran actor Nana Patekar, who passed away at the age of 75 on Thursday morning (October 8, 2026), will be cremated with full State honours, the Maharashtra government said.
Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said the decision was taken in view of Mr. Patekar’s immense contribution to Marathi and Hindi cinema and theatre. Mr. Patekar passed away in the early hours on Thursday in Goa.
“The decision about the location of the funeral will be taken by the family - whether it will be in Pune or in Mumbai. The government will make the necessary arrangements,” an official said.
Speaking with reporters in Nagpur, Minister Ashish Shelar said that Mr. Patekar had carved a niche for himself and had risen from humble background. “He faced many periods of struggle in his life; there were times when he had to contend with stalwarts in the field of acting. Yet, he carved out a distinct identity for himself. Whether in Hindi films, Marathi films, or Marathi theatre, his performances and characters were defined by a powerful voice and exceptional acting prowess. He was also deeply involved in social causes—championing the rights of farmers and the youth, fighting against addiction, and advocating for water conservation. Whenever a voice was needed on these issues, Nana Patekar stood firm. He was a forthright person who expressed his views with great clarity. He exercised his right to speak his mind, always driven by a sense of genuine sincerity—something we have all witnessed”
“His passing deals a severe and painful blow to the worlds of Marathi theatre, Marathi and Hindi cinema, and the art of acting. I have been in touch with the Chief Minister’s Office regarding the collective sentiments of the people of Maharashtra. The government will take a decision concerning his last rites. On behalf of the government and the Department of Cultural Affairs, I pay him my heartfelt tribute,” Mr. Shelar said.
Maharashtra’s political leaders remembered the veteran actor for his rich contributions to Marathi theatre and cinema.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Mr. Patekar’s contribution for farmers’ upliftment will not be forgotten. His organisation Naam Foundation worked for farmers’ welfare in the drought prone regions of Maharashtra.
President Droupadi Murmu praises actor's powerful performances
President Droupadi Murmu mourned the death of veteran actor Nana Patekar, remembering him for his powerful and evocative performances that brought a wide range of human experiences to the screen. She also highlighted Patekar’s commitment to social service and expressed condolences to his family and admirers.
"Deeply saddened by the passing of veteran actor Shri Nana Patekar. 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. His commitment to social service reflected his concern for the underprivileged. His passing is a great loss to Indian cinema. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers (sic)."
Akshay Kumar shares emotional tribute
Following the death of veteran actor Nana Patekar, Akshay Kumar wrote an emotional tribute to his co-star in Welcome and Housefull 5. Remembering their camaraderie on the sets of the two films, the actor reflected on Patekar’s rare screen presence, calling him an artist who was "completely his own."
"Really saddened by the news of Nana ji’s passing. He was one of those rare actors who never needed to do too much to make you sit up and watch. That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance⦠he was completely his own. I feel fortunate that we got to work together in Welcome, and then again more recently in Housefull 5. There are so many memories from those sets that I’ll always hold close. Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It’s hard to believe you’re gone. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say (sic)."
Amit Shah offers condolences
Union Minister Amit Shah shared a picture with Nana Patekar on X and wrote a lengthy note while praising the veteran actor's legacy. "The passing of the great Indian cinema actor Nana Patekar ji is an irreparable loss to the world of art. Over five decades, with his natural acting and powerful dialogue delivery, he left an indelible mark on the hearts of audiences. Whether it was serious social issues or humor-satire, he brought to life every character he portrayed. Through the 'Naam Foundation,' serving drought-stricken farmer families, or going to the border to boost the morale of soldiers, even after reaching the pinnacle of fame, he remained connected to his roots. Whenever I met him, his simplicity and straightforwardness always left a deep impression. May God grant strength to the grieving family and fans to bear this sorrow, and may the departed soul find a place at His divine feet. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti (sic)."
Anupam Kher shares special message
Actor Anupam Kher mourned the death of Nana Patekar in an emotional social media post along with a video, remembering him as a dear friend and one of the finest actors and human beings in Indian cinema. Kher recalled the moment he learnt about Nana’s death just after finishing a performance and said he struggled to process the heartbreaking news while fulfilling his professional commitments.
"NANA PATEKAR THE GREATEST?A couple of hours ago, I received the heartbreaking news that my friend Nana Patekar, one of the finest actors and human beings in Indian cinema, is no more. I had just finished our performance and taken the curtain call. As I walked into the wings, my director Gajendra told me, “Nana is no more.” After that, I had to meet people, pose for photographs, smile, sit down for a meal⦠while trying to absorb what I had just heard. It was terribly difficult. But somewhere, I felt that Nana would have wanted me to finish my work. Fulfil my responsibility to the people who had come to see us. And then, perhaps, remember him. Actually, knowing him, I can almost hear him dismissing the very idea of a tribute: “Arey toh kya ho gaya? Mar gaya toh kaun si badi baat hai? Sabhi marte hai (There is no big deal if I am dead. Everyone dies.)." That was Nana. Direct, unpretentious, with his own way of saying even the most difficult things (sic)."
Adding, "I will miss you, my friend. Your warmth. Your hugs. Your extraordinary performances. And whenever I miss seeing you, I will watch your films. Though today, I wish I could simply hug you one more time. My love and deepest condolences to your family and to everyone who loved you (sic)."
Pankaj Tripathi calls him ‘guru’
Actor Pankaj Tripathi mourned the death of Nana Patekar, remembering him as a mentor and “Guru” whose guidance extended beyond acting to life choices. Pankaj, who shared screen space with Nana in Kaala, said his death marked “the end of an era” for Indian cinema and hailed his enduring influence on generations of actors.
“Nana ji’s passing is an incredibly painful loss for our entire fraternity it's a deeply personal loss for me. I had the privilege of sharing screen space with him in Kaala, and that experience will always remain very special to me. He was not just a co-actor but someone who would guide me on the craft, life choices and the smallest nuances of acting. I learnt a lot just by watching him and listening to him. His guidance meant a great deal to me. For me, this feels like losing a Guru. His absence will always be felt, but his lessons and his extraordinary body of work will continue to inspire me and generations of actors to come," he said in a statement.
"What made Nana ji truly extraordinary was his ability to disappear into a character while still leaving an indelible mark of his own. His contribution to Indian cinema goes far beyond the films he was part of; he has influenced the way actors look at their craft. This truly feels like the end of an era. Indian cinema has lost one of its most distinctive voices and finest performers. But artists like Nana ji never really leave us. They live on through their work, through the characters they created and through the generations of actors they continue to inspire. His legacy will remain eternal," he added.
Manoj Bajapyee calls actor's death 'shocking'
Actor Manoj Bajpayee condoled Nana Patekar's death on X and wrote, "Shocking! Still cannot believe Nana Patekar ji is no more. For so many of us who came to Mumbai hoping to find a place in films, his journey gave us hope. He made you believe that your craft, your individuality and being true to who you are could be enough to make your own place. We have lost one of our finest actors. You will be deeply missed, Nana ji. Om Shanti (sic)."
Smriti Irani remembers her 'Dada'
Smriti Irani remembered Nana Patekar in a post on X, recalling their close bond and describing him as “Dada,” the name she used for him. She shared memories of his spontaneous phone calls, his warmth toward young talent and a moment when he cooked for her.
Reflecting on their last conversation, Irani recalled him asking, “Aa re Pune, kadhi yeshil?” (“Come to Pune, when will you visit?”), to which she had replied, “Soon.” She wrote that it “was not soon enough.”
Irani accompanied the post with a video of Nana Patekar cooking.
Paresh Rawal added, "BHAU. NANA SAHEB. INSANELY HONEST AND INTENSE. LOVE AND RESPECT FOR EVER. OM SHANTI."
Manoj Bajpayee's post read, "Shocking! Still cannot believe Nana Patekar ji is no more. For so many of us who came to Mumbai hoping to find a place in films, his journey gave us hope. He made you believe that your craft, your individuality and being true to who you are could be enough to make your own place. We have lost one of our finest actors. You will be deeply missed, Nana ji. Om Shanti."
Ravi Kishan's heartfelt note read, "Hearing the extremely heartbreaking news of Nana Patekar ji's passing this morning has left my heart deeply distressed. Even as a star, Nana ji was one of those great artists of Indian cinema who stayed miles away from stardom, identified by his simplicity, naturalness, and personality rooted in the soil. Living amidst the glitz of Mumbai, he never let go of his roots and values. I shared a close bond with Nana ji. 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. Nana Patekar ji's passing is an irreplaceable loss for the Indian film world. His art, simplicity, and memories will forever remain alive among us. May God grant the departed soul a place at His divine feet and bestow strength upon his family and all loved ones to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti. #NanaPatekar"
Suneil Shetty wrote, "Absolutely shocking!!! They don't make men like you anymore. So deeply rooted no matter how high you rose. Unapologetically yourself, fiercely honest and a master of your craft. There was only one Nana. There will never be another. Rest in peace Bhau... Cinema won't be the same without you."
Raveena Tandon's note read, "Shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Nana. We all know that one day we have to walk the same path and embark on that onward journey, but knowing that does not make the loss any easier. His passing has come as a sudden and profound shock. Nana and I shared a wonderful rapport, built on mutual respect, warmth and genuine fondness. He was truly lionhearted — courageous, strong and generous in spirit.
She added, "I will always cherish the memories of the time we spent working together. I particularly remember the scene in Mustafa, where his insight and understanding helped me immensely in bringing a certain nuance and depth to my performance in that situation. I will always be grateful to him for that. Some people leave behind more than memories; they leave behind an impression of their strength, warmth and spirit that stays with you. Nana was one such person. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Om Shanti."
Jr NTR wrote, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Nana Patekar sir, one of Indian cinema's finest actors. There was an unmistakable honesty and intensity in every character he portrayed. His performances never felt like acting, but life unfolding on screen. A remarkable artist whose contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered for generations. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti."
Choreographer Prabhu Deva shared, "Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary actor Nana Patekar Sir. His powerful performances, remarkable talent and immense contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers."
Sunny Deol wrote, "Still can't believe Nana is not among us. We never worked together, but we always shared a very special bond that went back many years. Fearless, full of life, he always did what he wanted to do. That's how I'll always remember him. Will miss you, Nana."
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PM Modi pays tribute to Nana Patekar
PM Modi paid tribute to Nana Patekar. He wrote, "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. Shri Nana Patekar’s contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema was immense. His passing leaves a deep void. My condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers. Om Shanti."
UP CM calls Patekar 'most accomplished artist'
Shikhar Dhawan says India has lost a special talent
Nitin Gadkari calls Patekar's death 'extremely shocking'
