“Huge loss to Indian film industry”: Lovlina Borgohain on Nana Patekar’s death
Asian Games gold medallist Lovlina Borgohain expresses grief over the passing of veteran actor Nana Patekar, calling it a huge loss for Indian cinema.
Indian boxing sensation and Asian Games 2026 gold medallist Lovlina Borgohain has expressed her profound sadness following the sudden passing of veteran actor Nana Patekar. The athlete, who was recently celebrated in her hometown for her historic sporting achievement, described the actor's demise as a massive blow to the Indian film industry and the nation.
A Dream Left Unfulfilled
Speaking to reporters during a felicitation ceremony in Bokakhat, Assam, Borgohain shared her personal heartbreak regarding the news. She revealed that she had long admired the actor and had harbored a lifelong ambition to meet him in person.
"I just got the news a little while ago, right before coming here. A very big dream of mine has come to an end. Since childhood, we've been watching him. His nature was a bit different; everyone knows his style was unique, so my dream of meeting him even once didn't come true. I think this is really bad news for the entire country that he is no longer with us. It's a huge loss to the Indian film industry," Borgohain said.
Details of the Actor's Passing
Nana Patekar passed away on Thursday at the age of 75 after suffering a severe cardiac arrest in Goa. According to medical reports, the veteran actor had alerted a friend around 2:30 am, stating that he was feeling unwell. By the time his friend reached his residence at approximately 4:00 am, the situation had escalated.
He was rushed to Manipal Hospital, where medical professionals, including Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Oncology Department, attempted to revive him for roughly 45 minutes. Despite their best efforts, the actor could not be saved.
Borgohain's Recent Sporting Triumph
The tribute comes amidst a period of immense celebration for the boxer. Borgohain recently made history at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, where she secured a gold medal in the women's 75 kg category. Her victory was particularly significant as she defeated China's Bao Ziyi with a dominant 5-0 scoreline, marking India's first-ever gold in that specific weight class.
The gold medal win coincided with her 29th birthday on October 2, adding a personal milestone to her professional success. During her homecoming, she was felicitated by Assam Minister Atul Bora and urged the youth of the state to pursue excellence through hard work.
Message to Young Athletes
Reflecting on the overwhelming support from her community, Borgohain stated:
- She expressed deep gratitude for the warm welcome received in Bokakhat.
- She committed to continuing her rigorous training to bring more laurels to the country.
- She encouraged young players to remain dedicated, noting that hard work is the key to earning the love and respect of the people.