Veteran actor Nana Patekar, one of Indian cinema’s most commanding screen presences, died on Thursday at the age of 75. The actor passed away at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa, following a severe cardiac arrest in the early hours of the morning.
His son, Malhar Patekar, confirmed the death. According to Dr Shekhar Salkar of Manipal Hospital, Goa, who spoke to news agency ANI, Patekar messaged a friend at around 2:30 am saying he was feeling unwell. When the friend reached his residence at about 4 am, he reportedly found the actor sweating and losing consciousness. An emergency medical team administered cardiac massage at home and continued CPR while he was being transferred to the hospital.
Patekar reached the hospital at approximately 4:20-4:30 am, where resuscitation efforts continued for about 45 minutes. He was declared dead at around 5:10-5:20 am. A medico-legal case has been registered, and a post-mortem will be conducted, according to reports.
Born Vishwanath Patekar on January 1, 1951, in Murud, Maharashtra, Nana Patekar began his screen career with the Hindi film Gaman in 1978. He went on to become synonymous with intense, volcanic performances, winning the National Award for Best Supporting Actor for Parinda (1989). His career spanned defining roles in Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi, Ab Tak Chhappan and Welcome, while his Marathi masterpiece Natsamrat is widely regarded as a landmark of Indian regional cinema.
Beyond acting, Patekar made his directorial debut with Prahaar and was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2013. He also served as an honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army, a rare distinction that reflected his well-known discipline and public-spirited persona.
Tributes poured in from across the film fraternity on Thursday morning, with colleagues from Hindi and Marathi cinema remembering him as a craftsman who gave Indian acting some of its most ferocious performances. Social media filled with clips from Krantiveer, Natsamrat and Welcome, as fans from across generations recalled lines that had become part of the cultural memory. The actor’s uncompromising style and philanthropic work, particularly through his foundation supporting drought-hit farmers in Maharashtra, earned him a stature that went well beyond the box office.
His passing marks the end of an era. For a generation of moviegoers, Nana Patekar was the actor who could hold the screen with nothing but a stare and a voice that carried fire. Fans and well-wishers are expected to gather outside his residence through the day. Details of the last rites are awaited, and family members have requested privacy while formalities are completed.
