Hindi film industry’s veteran actor and filmmaker, Nana Patekar, who stood as one of Indian cinema’s most distinctive and impactful performers, passed away in the early hours of Thursday following a cardiac arrest at his house in Goa. He was 75.
As per sources, Patekar had been complaining of a headache since Wednesday night while he was at his home with his nephew, Prasad Patekar. He was later found unconscious and was rushed to the hospital.
Nana Patekar
Manipal Hospital, where Patekar had been taken, said doctors attempted to revive him for nearly 45 minutes, but he did not respond to the treatment. He was declared dead at 5:20 am. Following the news, Patekar’s son, Malhar, left Pune for Goa, sources familiar with the development said.
5-decade-long career of unforgettable roles
Patekar, a native of Maharashtra, was born on January 1, 1951, and carved out a unique place in Indian cinema with his intense performances, commanding dialogue delivery and ability to inhabit complex and unconventional characters.
He marked his debut in Bollywood with the 1978 release Gaman. Over the decades that followed, he emerged as an eclectic body of work spanning Hindi and Marathi cinema. He garnered critical acclaim for movies such as Parinda, Wajood, Yeshwant, Natsamrat, Ab Tak Chhappan and Raajneeti. During the early 2000s, he earned widespread praise for films including Shakti: The Power (2002), Ab Tak Chhappan (2004), Apharan (2005) and Taxi No 9211 (2006).
His portrayal of gangster Uday Shetty in the comedy film Welcome (2007) showcased another side of his acting, earning him immense popularity in comedy. He reprised his role in the film’s sequel, Welcome Back (2015). His later work included a side role in Housefull 5.
Nana Patekar
Patekar clinched his fifth Filmfare Award nomination for the Best Supporting Actor for the film ‘Raajneeti.’ In 2016, he won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his role in the Marathi drama Natsamrat.
Till date, the actor has been a recipient of three National Film Awards, and was also conferred with the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to cinema and arts. He lent his voice to playback singing in films such as Yeshwant (1997), Wajood (1998) and Aanch (2003).
Political, film fraternity express condolences
Patekar was last seen publicly four days ago at Goa’s Dona Paula, where he attended and addressed the Samraat Club International installation ceremony.
As the news of his demise spread, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi mourned his death, saying Patekar’s passing had ‘left a deep void.’ Meanwhile, Goa’s Chief Minister (CM) Pramod Sawant called him not only one of Indian cinema’s finest actors but also a close friend and a committed social worker with a deep connection in Goa.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also reacted to the development, saying he shared ‘very close and friendly relations’ with the actor and lauded his contribution to Marathi and Hindi cinema. He also shed light on Patekar’s work in Maharashtra on water conservation and watershed management through the Naam Foundation, as well as his support for families of farmers who died by suicide.