Cinema has rarely seen actors who could completely transform themselves for a role onscreen and yet remain grounded away from the spotlight. Veteran actor Nana Patekar was one such great performer! And the sudden news that Nana Patekar passes away at the age of 75 has left the Hindi and Marathi film industries mourning a major loss. The actor died in Goa on Thursday morning, October 8, after suffering a cardiac arrest. Reportedly, his son Malhar Patekar confirmed the news.
Nana Patekar Passes Away, Leaves Cinema In Shock!
Nana was reportedly staying at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa, with his nephew Prasad Patekar. According to information shared by Dr Shekhar Salkar of Manipal Hospital with ANI, Nana had complained of feeling unwell during the night. At around 2:30 am, he reportedly messaged a friend saying that he was not feeling well. The message was not seen immediately. When the friend later called and reached Nana’s residence at around 4 am, the actor was found unconscious.
Doctors Tried To Revive Nana Patekar
Nana was taken to Manipal Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him. Dr Salkar said CPR was performed for around 45 minutes, but there was no response. He was declared dead at around 5:20 am. The cause of death was confirmed as cardiac arrest while a medico-legal case was also registered.
The sudden nature of his passing has made the news even harder for fans and colleagues to process. Nana was known for maintaining a relatively private and simple lifestyle despite being one of Indian cinema’s most recognisable performers.
From Bollywood To Marathi Cinema, Tributes Pour In
Soon after the news broke, tributes began pouring in from across the film industry. Akshay Kumar, Ram Gopal Varma, Suniel Shetty, Prakash Raj, Jr NTR, Kangana Ranaut, Riteish Deshmukh, Ravi Kishan, Usha Uthup and several others remembered the veteran actor.
Akshay Kumar who shared the screen with Nana in Welcome and Housefull 5, shared a picture with him and wrote, “Really saddened by the news of Nana ji’s passing. He was one of those rare actors who never needed to do too much to make you sit up and watch. That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance… he was completely his own. I feel fortunate that we got to work together in Welcome, and then again more recently in Housefull 5. There are so many memories from those sets that I’ll always hold close. Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It’s hard to believe you’re gone. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say. 🙏”
Akshay’s tribute also showed the good bond they shared while working together and Nana’s role as Uday Shetty in Welcome showed another side of his acting and made him loved by a whole new generation of audience.
Ram Gopal Varma Calls Nana “The God Of Acting”
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, who worked with Nana on several important projects like Ab Tak Chappan, Bhoot and the Attacks of 26/11, expressed his disbelief over the actor’s sudden passing. He wrote, “YES, everybody knows nobody is immortal .. But I still can’t believe this can so suddenly happen to a man , as strong as him .. I hate his heart for failing him and I feel like killing GOD for killing the GOD of acting , NANA PATEKAR.”
The statement summed up the shock felt by many who knew Nana’s strength and screen presence.
Suniel Shetty also remembered Nana with an emotional note. “Absolutely shocking!!! They don’t make men like you anymore. So deeply rooted no matter how high you rose. Unapologetically yourself, fiercely honest and a master of your craft. There was only one Nana. There will never be another. Rest in peace Bhau… Cinema won’t be the same without you.”
Riteish Deshmukh, who worked with Nana in Bluffmaster! and Housefull 5, also expressed his shock and remembered him as an actor who could handle every kind of role, while highlighting his work for people away from cinema.
PM Narendra Modi And CM Devendra Fadnavis Pay Tribute
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned Nana’s passing, remembering his individuality and contribution to both Hindi and Marathi cinema. He wrote, “The attitude of delivering a jolt like Shri Nana Patekar, his distinct individuality, and a unique impact are seen in very few actors. Bringing remarkable diversity and creativity to every role, he portrayed characters for us that will remain etched in the memory of generations. He also commanded great respect for his clear and forthright views, never wavering while expressing his opinions steadfastly rooted in his convictions. Shri Nana Patekar’s contribution to the Hindi and Marathi film industries was immense. His passing has created a vast void in the artistic world. I extend my condolences to his family, friends, and countless admirers. Om Shanti!”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also shared a heartfelt message, calling Nana a close friend and remembering his contribution to Marathi and Hindi cinema. “The untimely and sudden ‘exit’ of veteran actor and my close friend Nana Patekar is a massive shock to the heart. The mind is overwhelmed with grief. Nana was as grand on screen as he was in spirit. He gifted an entire era to Marathi and Hindi cinema. From that, it was primarily his image as a patriot that resonated deeply with audiences.”
Nana Patekar’s Last Appearance Feels Hard To Believe
What has also caught people’s attention is a video that surfaced around the time of his death. The footage showed Nana participating in a traditional cultural performance in Panjim, playing the Goan instrument ‘Shamel’. The simple video showed the actor in his familiar, grounded manner.
The caption accompanying the video read, “48 hours ago, Nana Patekar seen here playing the Goan traditional instrument ‘Shamel’ in Panjim during a cultural performance. Life is so unpredictable. Om Shanti 🙏”
Looking at the footage now, it is difficult for fans to connect that lively appearance with the news that followed just days later.
A Loss For Hindi And Marathi Cinema
For decades, Nana Patekar moved comfortably between intense dramas, serious social stories and comedy. Films such as Parinda, Krantiveer, Prahaar, Ab Tak Chhappan, Natsamrat and Welcome showed different sides of his craft. His voice, expressions and dialogue delivery became instantly recognisable.
With Nana Patekar passes away, Indian cinema has lost an actor who never needed to fit into one image. He could be intimidating in one scene, vulnerable in another and effortlessly funny when the role demanded it.
Nana Patekar’s passing is not just the loss of a veteran performer; it is the end of a long chapter in Hindi and Marathi cinema. His characters, performances and unmistakable voice will continue to live through the films he left behind. As colleagues and fans remember him today, one thing remains clear – there was only one Nana Patekar & cinema will remember him in its own way!
