Mumbai [India], October 8: Veteran Bollywood and Marathi actor Nana Patekar has died at the age of 75 at his home in Goa. The acclaimed actor, known for his powerful performances across Hindi and Marathi cinema, was found unconscious at his residence in the early hours of Thursday.
Patekar was rushed to a hospital after being found unconscious. Despite doctors attempting to revive him for around 45 minutes, he could not be saved. His son, Malhar Patekar, confirmed the actor’s death.
Born on January 1, 1951, Nana Patekar built a remarkable career spanning nearly five decades. He made his film debut with Gaman in 1978 and gradually established himself as one of Indian cinema’s most distinctive performers.
His breakthrough came with the 1989 film Parinda, in which he played the volatile gangster Anna. The performance earned him the National Film Award and a Filmfare Award and firmly established him as a major force in Hindi cinema.
Patekar went on to take on a wide variety of roles, moving effortlessly between intense characters, villains, soldiers, patriots and emotionally complex protagonists. His performance in Krantiveer earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor, further cementing his reputation as one of the country’s finest performers.
His other notable films included Prahaar, which he also directed, Angaar, Tirangaa, Khamoshi: The Musical, Agni Sakshi, Ab Tak Chhappan and Rajneeti. He also remained closely associated with Marathi cinema and theatre throughout his career.
Patekar’s contribution extended beyond acting. He was actively involved in social work, particularly issues concerning farmers and rural communities in Maharashtra. In 2015, he co-founded the Naam Foundation with actor Makarand Anaspure, an organisation involved in farmer welfare, water conservation and rural development.
His career also included significant work on stage. Before and alongside his film career, Patekar appeared in several Marathi theatre productions, where his powerful dialogue delivery and intense acting style earned him considerable recognition.
Patekar’s death marks the end of an influential chapter in Indian cinema. With three National Film Awards and a career that crossed Hindi and Marathi films, theatre and direction, he leaves behind a distinctive body of work that made him one of the most recognisable actors of his generation.
The news of his passing has prompted tributes from across the film industry and public life, with colleagues and admirers remembering his acting talent, strong screen presence and contribution to social causes.
