Veteran Indian actor and filmmaker Nana Patekar died Thursday at 75 after a cardiac arrest in Goa, ending a nearly five-decade career across Hindi and Marathi cinema.
Nana Patekar, one of Indian cinema’s most distinctive performers, died Thursday in Goa after being found unconscious at his residence.
Press Trust of India reported that he suffered a suspected cardiac arrest, while hospital doctor Dr. Shekhar Salkar told ANI that efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
Born Vishwanath Patekar in Maharashtra in 1951, he began his career in theatre before moving into films.
His 1978 debut came with Gaman, followed by roles that established him as a powerful screen presence, including his performance in Parinda, which earned him his first National Film Award.
Patekar later demonstrated a broader range through films such as Krantiveer, Khamoshi, Agni Sakshi, Prahaar and Mira Nair’s Oscar-nominated Salaam Bombay!.
He also reached a wider mainstream audience through commercial films including Welcome. His career earned him three National Film Awards and the Padma Shri.
Beyond acting, Patekar directed and wrote films and remained connected to Marathi and Hindi theatre. In 2015, he co-founded the Naam Foundation with actor Makarand Anaspure, focusing on farmer welfare and water conservation in Maharashtra.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned his death, praising Patekar’s versatility and distinctive presence. Actor Akshay Kumar also paid tribute to the performer, remembering his intensity and ability to command an audience.
Patekar is survived by his wife and son. His funeral is scheduled to take place in Pune with full state honours.
