Mumbai: Veteran actor Nana Patekar, one of the most distinctive and respected performers in Indian cinema, died at the age of 75 in Goa on Thursday after suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his residence.
According to reports, Patekar was found unconscious at his home in Dona Paula, Goa, in the early hours of Thursday. He was rushed to Manipal Hospital, where doctors tried to revive him for around 45 minutes. Despite the medical team’s efforts, he could not be saved and was declared dead at around 5:20 a.m.
A medico-legal case has been registered, and a post-mortem is expected to establish the exact circumstances surrounding his death. The cardiac arrest is being reported as the immediate cause, though the post-mortem process is still pending.
Nana Patekar’s final hours in Goa
The news of Patekar’s sudden death came as a shock to the film industry and his many fans. The actor was at his Dona Paula residence when he suffered the medical emergency. He was found unresponsive and taken to Manipal Hospital, but doctors were unable to revive him.
His death brings an end to a career spanning more than four decades, during which he established himself through powerful performances, an unmistakable dialogue delivery and his ability to portray intense and unconventional characters.
A career defined by powerful performances
Born Vishwanath Patekar on January 1, 1951, in Maharashtra, Nana Patekar made his Hindi film debut with Gaman in 1978. He gradually built a reputation as an actor capable of bringing extraordinary intensity to his roles.
His performances in films such as Salaam Bombay!, Parinda, Angaar, Tirangaa, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Yeshwant, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan and Raajneeti earned him widespread recognition.
Patekar was equally associated with Marathi cinema and theatre. He also stepped behind the camera and made his directorial debut with Prahaar: The Final Attack in 1991.
For a younger generation of moviegoers, however, he became especially memorable for his comic portrayal of Uday Shetty in the Welcome franchise. The character became one of his most popular roles and remains widely remembered by audiences.
His other notable films included Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Wajood, Hu Tu Tu, Gang, Deewangee, Bhoot, Welcome, Welcome Back, Natsamrat and The Vaccine War, among others.
Padma Shri and National Film Awards
Nana Patekar was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to cinema and the arts. During his career, he also won three National Film Awards along with several other prestigious honours.
Away from the screen, Patekar was known for his association with social causes, including efforts to support farmers and families affected by agrarian distress.
Despite being one of the most recognisable faces in Indian cinema, he largely kept his personal life away from the public spotlight.
His death marks the loss of a performer whose distinctive voice, intense screen presence and versatility gave Indian cinema some of its most memorable characters.