Veteran actor Nana Patekar, one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated performers, died at the age of 75 in Goa.
Manipal Hospital, Goa, officially confirmed the actor’s death. According to the hospital, Patekar was found unconscious at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa, and his family rushed him to the hospital. Doctors declared him dead on arrival.
The acclaimed actor built a remarkable body of work spanning more than four decades. He earned widespread recognition for his powerful performances in Hindi and Marathi cinema, along with his distinctive dialogue delivery and ability to portray complex and unconventional characters.
Born Vishwanath Patekar on January 1, 1951, in Maharashtra, Nana Patekar established himself as one of the most respected performers of his generation.
He made his Hindi film debut with Gaman in 1978 and gradually built a reputation for his intense screen presence and memorable performances.
Patekar gained major recognition with films such as Salaam Bombay! and Parinda. He later delivered acclaimed performances in Angaar, Tirangaa, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Yeshwant, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan and Raajneeti.
The actor also made a significant contribution to Marathi cinema and theatre. He ventured into filmmaking and made his directorial debut with Prahaar: The Final Attack in 1991.
Patekar also displayed his comic timing as Uday Shetty in the Welcome franchise. His portrayal became hugely popular, particularly among younger audiences.
His other notable films include Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Wajood, Hu Tu Tu, Gang, Deewangee, Bhoot, Welcome, Welcome Back, Natsamrat and The Vaccine War, among several others.
The government honoured Patekar with the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to cinema and the arts. During his distinguished career, he also won three National Film Awards and several other prestigious honours.
Beyond cinema, Patekar supported several social causes, particularly initiatives aimed at helping farmers and families affected by agrarian distress. Through the Naam Foundation, he contributed to water conservation and water-storage initiatives in rural Maharashtra and supported families of farmers who died by suicide.
Despite his stature in the film industry, Patekar maintained a relatively private life and largely stayed away from the spotlight.
Nitin Gadkari Pays Tribute
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari paid an emotional tribute to Patekar in Marathi and recalled their close friendship.
Gadkari wrote on X:
“The news of the demise of veteran actor Nana Patekar, a stalwart of Indian cinema, is extremely shocking and saddening. My heartfelt tribute to him. Nana and I shared a very close and friendly relationship. Through his powerful acting, Nana Patekar ruled the hearts of audiences for more than five decades through Marathi and Hindi films. With his distinctive style of dialogue delivery, he immortalised several characters in cinema and created an identity of his own. His passing is a great loss to Indian cinema.
“Through the Naam Foundation, his work in the fields of water conservation and water storage in the rural areas of Maharashtra has been remarkable and significant. The helping hand he extended to the families of farmers who died by suicide became a source of support for many families.
“Nana was not only a great artist and actor, but also a sensitive personality who cared deeply about society. May God grant peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti.”
Ravi Kishan Remembers Nana Patekar
Actor-politician Ravi Kishan expressed grief over Patekar’s death and highlighted his simplicity and humility.
Kishan wrote on Instagram:
“I was deeply saddened to hear the extremely tragic news of Nana Patekar Ji’s passing early this morning. Despite being a star, Nana Ji was always far removed from the trappings of stardom. He was one of the great artists of Indian cinema, known for his simplicity, humility and his down-to-earth personality.
“Even while living amidst the glitz and glamour of Mumbai, he never lost touch with his roots and values. I shared a close and warm relationship with Nana Ji. We would speak from time to time, and I learned a great deal from his acting, simplicity and perspective on life.”
Akshay Kumar Pays Tribute
Actor Akshay Kumar also remembered his work with Patekar in Welcome and Housefull 5.
Kumar 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.”
Jr NTR Remembers the Veteran Actor
Telugu star Jr NTR expressed his grief and praised Patekar’s contribution to Indian cinema.
He wrote:
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Nana Patekar sir, one of Indian cinema’s finest actors. There was an unmistakable honesty and intensity in every character he portrayed. His performances never felt like acting, but life unfolding on screen. A remarkable artist whose contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered for generations. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti.”
Prabhu Deva Pays Tribute
Actor and director Prabhu Deva also expressed his grief on X.
He wrote:
“Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary actor Nana Patekar Sir. His powerful performances, remarkable talent and immense contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers.”
Prakash Raj Recalls His Bond With Nana
Actor Prakash Raj shared a personal tribute to Patekar and remembered their conversations and time together.
He wrote:
“Miss you my dear Nana ji… Will cherish the moments spent… conversations… arguments… the food you cooked… knowledge you shared. Thank you for coming into my life’s journey. RIP #nanapatekar.”
Suniel Shetty Calls Nana ‘One of a Kind’
Actor Suniel Shetty expressed shock over Patekar’s death and praised his honesty and individuality.
Shetty wrote:
“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.”
Arjun Rampal Expresses Shock
Actor Arjun Rampal also expressed his shock over Patekar’s death.
He wrote:
“Devastated, shocked and deeply saddened to wake up to this news. Can’t believe it, this is a huge huge loss to the industry and to all of us, especially people who knew @iamnanapatekar sir personally, whose lives he touched.”
Boman Irani Remembers Nana’s Advice
Veteran actor Boman Irani described the news as difficult and painful while recalling Patekar’s regular advice about walking.
Irani said:
“Difficult, painful and emotional. I was on my morning walk when I received the sad call. Strangely, a morning walk was his regular advice for me. ‘Come on, Boman. Walk, walk,’ he always said.
“I’m heartbroken, but we should not let our sorrow obscure his contribution to cinema and theatre. Good man, no more. Will miss you, Nana. Will keep walking.”
Subhash Ghai Bids Goodbye
Filmmaker Subhash Ghai also paid tribute to Patekar and remembered his contribution to Marathi and Hindi cinema and theatre.
Ghai wrote:
“GOOD BYE NANA. MARATHI N HINDI CINEMA N STAGE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU. For being a real NUT SMRAAT ON SCREEN. A great friend without transactions. A most honest soul to yourself. A great cook at home like mother. A rare person and unique philosopher and philanthropist. We all loved you and shall love you for good. RIP.”
Rajinikanth Remembers His ‘Dear Friend’
Superstar Rajinikanth expressed shock over Patekar’s death and described him as a dear friend.
Rajinikanth wrote:
“I can’t believe my dear friend Nanaji is no longer with us. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.”
Manoj Bajpayee Pays Tribute
Actor Manoj Bajpayee also expressed shock and recalled how Patekar’s career inspired aspiring actors.
He wrote:
“Shocking! Still cannot believe Nana Patekar ji is no more. For so many of us who came to Mumbai hoping to find a place in films, his journey gave us hope. We have lost one of our finest actors. You will be deeply missed, Nana ji. Om Shanti.”
Manisha Koirala Remembers His Contribution
Actor Manisha Koirala also paid tribute to the veteran performer.
She said:
“Deeply saddened by the passing of a great actor, a remarkable presence and a true stalwart of the craft. His contribution to cinema and his dedication to his craft will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.”
Nana Patekar leaves behind a lasting legacy across Hindi and Marathi cinema, theatre and filmmaking. His distinctive performances, powerful dialogue delivery and commitment to socially relevant causes have left a lasting mark on Indian cinema.