Veteran actor Nana Patekar died at the age of 75 on Thursday, October 8, after he was found unresponsive at his flat in Goa. According to ANI, the actor died of cardiac arrest and was declared dead at Manipal Hospital at around 5:20 am.
According to information shared by his son Malhar Patekar, a medical team was called to the actor’s residence after he complained of severe chest pain. When the team arrived, Patekar was unresponsive and attempts were made to revive him before he was taken to the hospital.
Doctors at Manipal Hospital continued resuscitation efforts for around 45 minutes, but were unable to save him. Since Patekar was not a registered patient at the hospital, police were informed as per procedure. His body was taken to Goa Medical College for a post-mortem examination.
Patekar’s last rites will be performed at his farm in Pune, according to his reported last wishes. Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said the state government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, had decided to accord him a state funeral with full state honours in recognition of his contribution to Marathi theatre and Marathi and Hindi cinema.
Nana Patekar’s Final Hours
Dr Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Department of Oncology at Manipal Hospital, said Patekar was brought to the hospital in an unresponsive condition.
According to the doctor, the actor had contacted someone around 2:30 am to say he was unwell. A friend reportedly saw the message later and went to Patekar’s residence at around 4 am.
The actor was reportedly sweating and gradually became unconscious. An emergency team was sent to the flat, where cardiac massage was started. Doctors continued efforts for nearly 45 minutes to an hour but could not revive him.
His Final Public Appearance
Patekar’s final public appearance came on October 4 at the Samraat Club International installation ceremony in Dona Paula, Goa, four days before his death.
During the event, he spoke about former Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and reflected on life, mortality and personal responsibility. Patekar said everyone eventually has to go and questioned whether he was doing what he wanted to do with his life.
His remarks about death came just days before his own passing.
Nana Patekar’s Illustrious Film Career
Born into Marathi theatre and cinema, Patekar studied at Mumbai’s Sir J.J. School of Art before entering theatre and films. He made his Hindi film debut with Gaman in 1978 and gradually built a reputation for portraying intense and complex characters.
His breakthrough came with films such as Ankush and Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Parinda in 1989. His portrayal of gangster Anna earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor and a Filmfare Award.
The 1990s established Patekar as one of Hindi cinema’s most powerful performers. He won the Filmfare Award for Best Villain for Angaar and delivered acclaimed performances in Tirangaa, Krantiveer and Agni Sakshi. For Krantiveer, he won the National Film Award for Best Actor.
From Serious Roles To Comedy
Patekar continued to take on challenging roles in films including Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan and Raajneeti. He also surprised audiences with his comic performance as gangster Uday Shetty in Welcome, a role he later reprised in Welcome Back.
His Marathi work remained equally important. His performance in Natsamrat earned widespread acclaim and a Filmfare Award for Best Actor in Marathi.
Patekar also appeared in Tamil cinema, including Kaala, and directed Prahaar: The Final Attack in 1991.
Beyond Cinema
Patekar was also known for his social work. In 2015, he and actor Makarand Anaspure established the Naam Foundation, which works with farmers and communities affected by drought in Maharashtra.
He was also associated with the Territorial Army and held the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Patekar continued acting into his seventies, with recent projects including Vanvaas, Housefull 5, O’ Romeo and Subedaar. His death marks the loss of one of Indian cinema’s most distinctive and versatile performers.
