Panaji: Veteran actor Nana Patekar, one of the most recognisable performers in Hindi and Marathi cinema, passed away at the age of 75 on Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa.
According to reports, Patekar was found unconscious at his apartment and was rushed to a private hospital. Doctors attempted to revive him with continuous CPR for around 45 minutes, but he could not be revived. He was declared dead at around 5:20 am. A medico-legal case has been registered and a post-mortem examination is being conducted.
A Distinguished Career in Hindi and Marathi Cinema
Born Vishwanath Patekar, Nana Patekar built a career spanning several decades, earning recognition for his intense performances, distinctive dialogue delivery and ability to portray complex characters.
He appeared in several acclaimed films, including Parinda, Prahaar, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Ab Tak Chhappan, Raajneeti and Welcome. His work earned him multiple National Film Awards and other major honours.
Patekar was also a director and theatre artiste. His contribution to Indian cinema was recognised with the Padma Shri in 2013.
From Struggles to Stardom
Patekar’s journey to becoming a celebrated actor was shaped by financial hardship during his early years. In past interviews, he had spoken about working from a young age and experiencing poverty and difficult circumstances.
Those experiences remained an important part of his public persona and were reflected in his social work. He was associated with efforts supporting farmers and families affected by farmer suicides.
A Lasting Legacy
Known for bringing unusual intensity and authenticity to his roles, Nana Patekar remained a distinctive presence in Indian cinema. His performances ranged from serious dramatic characters to memorable roles in mainstream films such as Welcome.
His death marks the loss of an actor whose powerful performances and unmistakable screen presence left a lasting impression on generations of audiences.
As tributes pour in from across the film industry, Nana Patekar’s body of work remains an enduring part of Hindi and Marathi cinema.
