Veteran Indian Actor Nana Patekar Dies at 75 in Goa
Veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar, celebrated for his intense and fiery performances on stage and screen, has died at the age of 75 in Goa. Known as one of the most recognisable faces in Indian cinema, Patekar built a distinctive career playing complex, volatile characters. He was also a highly influential figure in Marathi language cinema and theatre.
Patekar was rushed to the hospital after being found unconscious at his residence in Goa during the early hours of Thursday. Despite medical intervention, doctors were unable to revive him. His passing has prompted a wave of tributes from prominent actors, filmmakers, and politicians across the country.
Medical Emergency and State Funeral
According to Dr Shekhar Salkar of Manipal Hospital in Goa, the medical team found Patekar at his home in an unconscious and almost unresponsive state. The emergency team administered continuous cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while transporting him to the hospital, which was located approximately 10 minutes away.
"Despite 45 minutes of continuous CPR, he could not be revived," Dr Salkar told the ANI news agency. He confirmed that Patekar had suffered a cardiac arrest, though the precise trigger for the medical emergency remained unclear. The actor was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Following his passing, family members, friends, and fans gathered at the Goa Medical College to pay their last respects. His remains were subsequently transported by air ambulance in the evening to Pune, Maharashtra. Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, paid his respects before the actor's body was taken to his farm in Donje village. Patekar was cremated there with full state honours.
Following the last rites, Patekar's son, Malhar, spoke to reporters, stating that his father would remain with them in spirit and that his dedication to social welfare would continue to live on.
Tributes Pour In Across India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national tributes, praising Patekar's versatility and his outspoken personality. Writing on the social media platform X, Modi stated that Patekar portrayed characters that would "remain etched in the memory of generations," adding that his death has left "a vast void in the artistic world."
Prominent figures from the Indian film industry also shared their condolences. Bollywood veteran Anupam Kher expressed his grief on social media, remembering Patekar's warmth and extraordinary performances, calling him "one of the finest actors and human beings in Indian cinema."
Shah Rukh Khan paid tribute by describing Patekar as "a mentor, a teacher, a critic and a friend," noting that his passing left a void in the hearts of all Indians and film lovers globally. Akshay Kumar, who co-starred with Patekar in the comedy film Welcome, remembered him as a rare performer whose voice, intensity, and honesty could effortlessly command an audience's attention.
A Distinguished Career in Cinema and Theatre
Patekar made his film debut in 1978 with Gaman and spent his early career playing smaller roles. His breakthrough came with the 1989 film Parinda, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, where his portrayal of the gangster Anna made him a household name. The role earned him both a National Film Award and a Filmfare Award.
Throughout the 1990s, Patekar delivered a series of memorable performances that showcased his acting range. His distinctive, rasping voice and unique dialogue delivery became highly popular, often imitated by school children and professional comedians alike. Film trade analyst Komal Nahta told the BBC that while Patekar was known for being outspoken and sometimes difficult to work with, directors consistently sought him out due to his exceptional acting talent.
Patekar's notable filmography includes Prahaar, which he both directed and starred in as Major Chauhan, as well as patriotic roles in Tirangaa and Krantiveer. He broke away from his loud, intense screen persona with a quiet, critically acclaimed performance as a deaf and mute character in Khamoshi. Later in his career, he played an astute politician in Prakash Jha's 2010 political drama Rajneeti.
Over his career, Patekar won three National Film Awards for his roles in Parinda, Krantiveer, and Agni Sakshi. Before and during his film career, he remained deeply committed to theatre, performing in acclaimed Marathi plays such as Purush and Hamidabai Chi Kothi.
Activism, Philanthropy and Controversies
Beyond his artistic achievements, Patekar was known for his direct and often unapologetic public criticism of government policies and ministers. He was particularly vocal about issues affecting farmers in India.
In 2015, Patekar co-founded the Naam Foundation alongside fellow actor Makarand Anaspure. The charitable organisation focuses on water conservation efforts and supporting farmer welfare in the state of Maharashtra.
Patekar's career also encountered significant controversy. In 2018, actor Tanushree Dutta accused him of sexual harassment regarding an alleged incident on a film set a decade earlier. The allegations helped spark the #MeToo movement in India. Patekar consistently denied the allegations, and in 2019, police cleared him of the charges, citing a lack of sufficient evidence to proceed.
