Indian cinema has lost one of its most distinctive performers with the reported death of veteran actor Nana Patekar at the age of 75. Tributes poured in from political leaders, film stars and prominent personalities on Thursday, remembering his lasting influence on Hindi and Marathi cinema.
According to Dr Shekhar Salkar of Manipal Hospital, Patekar died at his residence in Goa at approximately 5.20 am after suffering a cardiac arrest. Doctors reportedly attempted to revive him through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for around 45 minutes, but were unsuccessful.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the actor’s passing, highlighting his remarkable ability to bring depth and individuality to his characters. Modi also remembered Patekar for speaking his mind without hesitation and acknowledged the significant contribution he made to both Hindi and Marathi films.
Tamil superstar Rajinikanth shared an emotional tribute, recalling his personal friendship with Patekar. He expressed disbelief at the news and extended his condolences to the actor’s family and loved ones.
Rahul Gandhi also mourned the veteran actor, noting that his performances had secured a lasting place in Indian cinema and the hearts of moviegoers. He conveyed his sympathies to Patekar’s family, friends and admirers.
Music composer A. R. Rahman joined the tributes, expressing grief over the loss and offering prayers for the actor’s soul.
Patekar earned widespread recognition for his intense performances, commanding dialogue delivery and ability to portray complex characters. Over a career spanning several decades, he became a familiar presence in both Hindi and Marathi cinema, building a reputation for taking on challenging and memorable roles.
Beyond his film career, Patekar was also associated with social initiatives, including work supporting rural communities and farmers through the Naam Foundation.
The messages of condolence from across the political and entertainment worlds reflected the breadth of his influence. For many admirers, his legacy lies not only in the characters he portrayed but also in the distinctive personality he brought to Indian cinema.
