Veteran actor Nana Patekar passes away

Veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar, known for his intense performances, distinctive dialogue delivery, and memorable portrayals across Hindi and Marathi cinema, died in Goa yesterday. He was 75.

Patekar was found unconscious at his home in the coastal state of Goa early in the morning, and doctors were unable to revive him, news agency ANI and other media reported.

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Born Vishawanath Patekar, but popularly known as Nana, he started his career doing theatre in Marathi, the language spoken in his home state of Maharashtra, which is also home to Bollywood.

He made his screen debut with “Gaman” in 1978 and gradually established himself as one of the most recognisable performers in Indian cinema. His breakthrough came with “Parinda”, for which he won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor, reports our Kolkata correspondent.

He later won the National Film Award for Best Actor for “Krantiveer” and another Best Supporting Actor award for “Agni Sakshi”.

For many viewers, however, Patekar’s appeal went beyond awards. His performances often carried a raw intensity that became his signature. From the crime drama “Ab Tak Chhappan” and political thriller “Raajneeti” to the Marathi classic “Natsamrat”, he repeatedly moved between morally complex, emotionally charged, and deeply human characters.

He also demonstrated a different side of his range through Uday Shetty in Welcome, turning the character into one of his most widely remembered popular performances. The actor continued to work in recent years and appeared in Vishal Bhardwaj’s “O’Romeo” in 2026.

Patekar’s contribution was recognised with the Padma Shri in 2013. He was also associated with social initiatives supporting farmers affected by drought in Maharashtra, adding another dimension to a public persona that often remained distinct from the glamour of mainstream Bollywood.

His death comes at a time when Indian cinema is increasingly looking back at performers who shaped the industry through character-driven acting rather than celebrity image alone. Patekar belonged firmly to that tradition.

“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,” said actor Akshay Kumar, who acted with Patekar in several movies.

Patekar is survived by his wife, from whom he was separated, and a son.