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Veteran Indian actor and filmmaker Nana Patekar died of cardiac arrest in Goa on Thursday. He was 75.
Patekar was found unconscious at his residence in Dona Paula in the early hours and was taken to Manipal Hospital. Doctors attempted to revive him for about 45 minutes, but he could not be saved. He was declared dead at 5:20am, according to hospital sources.
Patekar had reportedly felt unwell during the night. According to Manipal Hospital doctor Shekhar Salkar, he had sent a message to a friend around 2:30am saying he was not feeling well. The friend later reached his residence and found him in distress.
His son, Malhar Patekar, was in Pune and travelled to Goa following the news of his father’s death, according to reports.
Born Vishwanath Patekar in Maharashtra on January 1, 1951, Nana Patekar began his acting career with the 1978 film Gaman. He went on to become one of the most distinctive performers in Hindi and Marathi cinema, known for his intense screen presence, powerful dialogue delivery and portrayal of complex characters.
He won three National Film Awards and was widely acclaimed for films including Parinda, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Prahaar, Khamoshi, Ab Tak Chhappan, Natsamrat and Raajneeti. He also became hugely popular with mainstream audiences through his comic role as gangster Uday Shetty in Welcome (2007) and Welcome Back (2015).
Patekar won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his performance in the Marathi film Natsamrat in 2016. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to cinema and the arts.
He also directed Prahaar: The Final Attack and worked as a playback singer in films including Yeshwant, Wajood and Aanch. In recent years, he continued acting, including appearances in Housefull 5 and other projects.
Patekar was also associated with social causes and was known for supporting farmers and families affected by agrarian distress.
His last public appearance came four days before his death at an event in Goa, where he addressed the Samraat Club International installation ceremony.
News of his death prompted tributes from politicians and fellow actors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Patekar as an actor whose intensity, individuality and versatility left a lasting mark on Indian cinema.
