Panaji, Oct 8: Veteran actor Nana Patekar, known for his powerful performances in Hindi and Marathi cinema, died at his residence in Goa in the early hours of Thursday. He was 76.
According to sources, Nana Patekar is suspected to have suffered a heart attack. He was found unconscious at his apartment in Dona Paula, near Panaji, and was rushed to a private hospital.
Nana Patekar Death: What Happened
Dr Shekhar Salkar, a senior doctor at the hospital, said Patekar was brought to the facility after he was found unconscious at his residence.
Doctors administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for around 45 minutes but could not revive him. He was declared dead at 5.10 am.
A medico-legal case has been registered and a postmortem will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
According to information shared by a friend with hospital doctors, Patekar had sent a message at around 3.30 am saying that he was not feeling well. The friend saw the message at around 4 am and rushed to the actor’s apartment.
Patekar was living with a caretaker. The caretaker went to the hospital, following which an ambulance was sent to the residence. Doctors began treatment in the ambulance itself.
The actor’s body was later shifted to Goa Medical College and Hospital in Bambolim for the postmortem examination.
Nana Patekar’s Illustrious Film Career
Nana Patekar was one of the most respected and versatile actors in Indian cinema. He made a lasting impact through his intense performances, distinctive dialogue delivery and ability to portray a wide range of characters.
Some of his best-known Hindi films include “Parinda”, “Prahaar: The Final Act”, “Tirangaa”, “Krantiveer” and “Khamoshi: The Musical”.
Over a career spanning several decades, Patekar worked in both Hindi and Marathi cinema and also remained associated with theatre.
He won three National Film Awards, along with several Filmfare Awards, Maharashtra State Film Awards and Filmfare Marathi Awards.
Patekar was also honoured with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
Nana Patekar’s Social Work and Naam Foundation
Beyond cinema, Nana Patekar was widely recognised for his social work, particularly his efforts to support farmers and drought-affected communities in Maharashtra.
Patekar and actor Makarand Anaspure founded the Naam Foundation, which worked on water conservation, water harvesting and support for families affected by agrarian distress.
His contribution to drought-hit areas earned praise from several political and social leaders.
Nitin Gadkari Mourns Nana Patekar’s Death
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed deep shock over Nana Patekar’s death and recalled their close friendship.
Gadkari said Patekar had dominated the hearts of audiences through his work in Marathi and Hindi films for more than five decades.
He also praised Patekar’s distinctive dialogue delivery and his contribution to social causes.
Gadkari particularly highlighted the actor’s work through the Naam Foundation in water conservation and support for families of farmers who died by suicide.
He described Patekar’s death as a major loss to Indian cinema.
Ashok Saraf Recalls Nana Patekar’s Early Career
Veteran actor Ashok Saraf expressed shock over Patekar’s death and recalled their long association.
Saraf described Patekar as a disciplined and straightforward person who was always willing to help people in need.
The two actors began their careers with the Marathi play “Hamidabaichi Kothi” in 1978. Saraf recalled that Patekar’s intense performance immediately attracted attention in the theatre and film industry.
Prakash Amte Pays Tribute
Social worker Prakash Amte said he initially thought news of Patekar’s death was a rumour.
Patekar had portrayed Amte in the Marathi film “Prakashwata” and had stayed at Hemalkasa for about a month while preparing for the role.
Amte recalled Patekar’s admiration for the work of Baba Amte and said it was painful to accept that the actor was no longer alive.
Sharad Pawar Remembers Nana Patekar’s Social Work
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar also mourned the death of Nana Patekar.
Pawar highlighted Patekar’s contribution to drought relief and his work through the Naam Foundation.
He recalled seeing the foundation’s teams working in several drought-hit areas of Maharashtra and said Patekar’s presence gave confidence to people facing difficult circumstances.
Pawar said Maharashtra had lost not only a talented actor but also a compassionate person who regularly came forward to help people in distress.
Riteish Deshmukh Calls It the End of an Era
Actor-producer Riteish Deshmukh expressed shock over Patekar’s death and described him as incomparable in his craft.
Deshmukh said Patekar had excelled in different types of roles, from larger-than-life characters and villains to comedy.
He also recalled working with Patekar in “Bluffmaster” and “Housefull 5”, while expressing regret that they never got the opportunity to work together in a Marathi film.
Deshmukh described Patekar’s death as “the end of an era”.
Maharashtra Leaders Mourn Veteran Actor
Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar described Patekar as a fearless actor and said the Indian film industry had lost a sensitive and authentic artiste.
Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal also paid tribute to Patekar, highlighting his social and political awareness and his efforts towards water conservation and farmer welfare.
Nana Patekar’s death marks the end of an important chapter in Hindi and Marathi cinema. His powerful acting, memorable dialogue delivery and commitment to social causes made him a distinctive figure both on and off the screen.
