Nana Patekar Dies at 75: PM Modi and Leaders Pay Tribute to Veteran Actor



MUMBAI, October 8, 2026 — Veteran Indian actor and filmmaker Nana Patekar has died at the age of 75, marking the end of a remarkable career that spanned nearly five decades across Hindi and Marathi cinema.

Patekar died at his home in Goa on Thursday after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest. He was taken to hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him, but he was declared dead at around 5:20 a.m., according to reports.



PM Modi Pays Tribute

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences following Patekar's death, remembering him for his distinctive screen presence, versatility and contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema.

Modi said Patekar brought remarkable creativity to his roles and created characters that would remain memorable for generations. He also recalled the actor's forthright personality and extended condolences to his family, friends and millions of admirers.



Maharashtra Announces State Funeral

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also mourned the actor's death and spoke with Patekar's son, Malhar Patekar, offering support to the family.

The Maharashtra government announced that Patekar's final rites would be conducted with full state honours. His cremation is scheduled to take place at his farmhouse in Pune.

Fadnavis described Patekar's death as a major loss to Indian cinema and also highlighted his work beyond films, including his involvement in drought relief and village water-conservation initiatives through the Naam Foundation.



A Career Spanning Hindi and Marathi Cinema

Born Vishwanath Patekar on January 1, 1951, in Maharashtra, Nana Patekar became one of India's most recognisable performers.

He made his Hindi film debut with Gaman in 1978 and subsequently established himself through powerful performances in films including Parinda, Krantiveer Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Ab Tak Chhappan and Natsamrat.

His ability to move between serious drama, action and comedy also introduced him to a much wider audience. His portrayal of Uday Shetty in *Welcome* became one of his most recognisable comic roles.



National Awards and Padma Shri

Patekar was recognised with three National Film Awards during his career and received the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to cinema and the arts.

His performance in Krantiveer earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor, while he received another National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for Agni Sakshi.

In 2016, his performance in the Marathi film *Natsamrat* received widespread critical acclaim.







Remembered Beyond the Screen

Patekar was also known for his involvement in social causes.

Through the Naam Foundation, he worked on drought relief and water-conservation efforts in Maharashtra, including initiatives supporting villages and farmers affected by water shortages. His association with the armed forces and visits to areas near the Line of Control also became part of his public life.

His contribution therefore extended beyond acting, with political leaders and colleagues remembering both his cinema career and social work.



Tributes Pour In Across India

Tributes came from politicians, actors and members of the film industry following news of his death.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Fadnavis and other leaders remembered Patekar's contribution to Indian cinema and his work for people in distress.

Actors and filmmakers also expressed grief, recalling his distinctive acting style, voice, direct personality and influence on generations of performers.



A Lasting Legacy

Nana Patekar leaves behind a body of work that crossed commercial cinema, Marathi films, theatre and socially focused projects.

From intense dramatic characters to memorable comic performances, his career demonstrated an unusual range that earned recognition from audiences and critics alike.

His death at 75 has prompted widespread tributes across India, with political leaders, colleagues and fans remembering an actor whose distinctive performances became an enduring part of Hindi and Marathi cinema.

As Maharashtra prepares to honour him with a state funeral, the Indian film industry and audiences across the country are mourning the loss of one of its most recognisable veteran performers.



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