Veteran actor Nana Patekar, celebrated for his powerful performances in Hindi and Marathi cinema, has died aged 75 in Goa…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Veteran actor Nana Patekar, one of Indian cinema’s most distinctive and celebrated performers, passed away at the age of 75 in Goa on Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence.
Patekar was found unconscious at his home in Dona Paula in the early hours of Thursday and was taken to Manipal Hospital in Goa. Doctors attempted to revive him, but he could not be saved and was declared dead. Manipal Hospital doctor Dr Shekhar Salkar confirmed that Patekar had been brought to the hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest. Reports said doctors attempted continuous CPR for around 45 minutes. A post-mortem was ordered as part of the medico-legal procedure.
The actor’s death brings to an end a career spanning more than four decades, during which he established himself as a powerful presence in Hindi and Marathi cinema, theatre and filmmaking.
Born Vishwanath Patekar on January 1, 1951, in Maharashtra, Nana Patekar developed a reputation for his intense screen presence, distinctive voice, forceful dialogue delivery and ability to portray complex and unconventional characters.
He studied at Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai and was involved in theatre before making his mark on the big screen. Patekar made his Hindi film debut with Gaman in 1978 and subsequently worked across Hindi and Marathi cinema.
His early career included films such as Sinhasan, Bhalu, Raghu Maina and Savitri in Marathi, while his Hindi work gradually brought him wider recognition. His career gained momentum with N. Chandra’s Ankush, followed by appearances in films including Pratighaat, Mohre, Andhaa Yudh and Salaam Bombay!.
One of the defining performances of his career came in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Parinda in 1989, in which he played the ruthless crime boss Anna. The performance earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor and further established his reputation as an actor capable of giving considerable depth to morally complex characters.
Patekar continued to take on demanding roles through the 1990s, appearing in films including Angaar, Tirangaa, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Yeshwant, Wajood, Hu Tu Tu and Ghulam-E-Mustafa.
His performance in Krantiveer brought another major recognition, with Patekar winning the National Film Award for Best Actor. He also remained a prominent presence in films such as Deewangee, Bhoot, Apaharan and Raajneeti.
In 2004, Patekar delivered another widely recognised performance in Ab Tak Chhappan, directed by Shimit Amin. He played Sadhu Agashe, a Mumbai Police encounter specialist, in a role that relied heavily on restraint while retaining the intensity that had become his trademark.
Patekar also demonstrated his versatility in mainstream comedy. His portrayal of gangster Uday Shetty in Welcome introduced his work to a new generation of audiences. His distinctive mannerisms and comic timing made the character one of the film’s most memorable figures. He later reprised the role in Welcome Back.
Despite his success in Hindi cinema, Patekar maintained a strong association with Marathi theatre and cinema. His Marathi filmography included Pak Pak Pakaak, Deool, Natsamrat, Aapla Manus and Dr. Prakash Baba Amte: The Real Hero.
Natsamrat, released in 2016 and based on V. V. Shirwadkar’s celebrated Marathi play, became one of the most significant performances of his later career. Patekar played Ganpat Belwalkar, a retired stage actor confronting ageing, family relationships and the loss of his position in society. The role also allowed him to draw strongly on his theatrical background.
Patekar also ventured behind the camera. He made his directorial debut with Prahaar: The Final Attack in 1991, a film centred on the Indian Army and the life of a highly disciplined commando.
His contribution to Indian cinema and the arts was recognised with the Padma Shri in 2013. He also received several national and other major film honours during his career.
Beyond cinema, Patekar was associated with social initiatives, particularly efforts to support farmers and families affected by drought and agrarian distress in Maharashtra.
Known for maintaining a relatively private life despite his prominence, Patekar remained one of Indian cinema’s most recognisable performers. His career crossed genres and languages, moving from theatre and serious drama to action, social cinema and comedy.
His death marks the loss of an actor whose powerful voice, distinctive screen presence and unconventional performances left a lasting imprint on Hindi and Marathi cinema.
