Chiranjeevi, Kamal Haasan Mourn Demise of Nana Patekar
Veteran actors Chiranjeevi and Kamal Haasan pay tribute to legendary actor Nana Patekar following his sudden demise due to cardiac arrest.
The Indian film industry is in a state of profound grief following the sudden passing of veteran actor Nana Patekar. The legendary performer, known for his intense screen presence and powerful performances in both Hindi and Marathi cinema, breathed his last on Thursday at the age of 75.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Claims Life
The veteran actor suffered a severe cardiac arrest, which led to his emergency admission to Manipal Hospital. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, who attempted to revive him for approximately 45 minutes, he could not be saved. Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Oncology Department at Manipal Hospital, confirmed the tragic news.
Reports indicate that Patekar had sensed his declining health in the early hours of the morning. He reportedly sent a message to a friend around 2:30 am stating that he was not feeling well. It was only when the friend reached his residence at 4:00 am that the gravity of the situation became clear.
Industry Icons Pay Tribute
Prominent figures from the South Indian film industry have expressed their heartbreak over the loss of the Parinda star. Megastar Chiranjeevi shared a moving tribute on X, highlighting both the actor's cinematic brilliance and his humanitarian efforts.
"Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary #NanaPatekar. An extraordinary actor with a powerful screen presence and an artistic journey uniquely his own that left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Beyond the screen, his compassion for farmers and his service through his Foundation reflected his commitment to helping those in need. His legacy of art and humanity will always be remembered," Chiranjeevi wrote.
Similarly, Kamal Haasan lauded Patekar as a man of immense character. Haasan noted that Patekar was not just a "force of nature" on screen, but a "greater human being" in real life. He specifically cited Patekar's dedicated work helping farmers in Maharashtra and his selfless volunteer service during the Kargil War as testaments to his deep sense of duty.
A Legacy of Art and Activism
Nana Patekar's journey in cinema began with the 1978 film Gaman, and he quickly rose to become a household name through a string of critically acclaimed movies. His filmography includes several iconic titles that defined an era of gritty, realistic storytelling:
- Parinda
- Prahar
- Angaar
- Krantiveer
- Tiranga
- Khamoshi
- Ab Tak Chhappan
In the Marathi film industry, his performance in the drama Natsamrat was considered a monumental achievement. Even in his later years, Patekar remained active, appearing in projects such as Housefull 5 and the upcoming O’Romeo, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj.
Beyond his acting accolades, Patekar will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to social causes, particularly his tireless advocacy and support for the farming community through his foundation.