"Truly difficult to believe he is gone": Industry Mourns Nana Patekar
Veteran actors Rajpal Yadav and Raza Murad express grief following the sudden passing of Nana Patekar due to a cardiac arrest.
The Indian film industry is in a state of profound shock following the sudden demise of legendary actor Nana Patekar on the morning of October 8. The veteran performer, known for his intense screen presence and philanthropic heart, passed away after suffering a severe cardiac arrest.
A Sudden Departure
The circumstances surrounding his passing were sudden and distressing. According to medical reports, Nana Patekar had sent a message to a friend around 2:30 am, indicating that he was not feeling well. 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 fought for 45 minutes to revive him, but ultimately, he could not be saved. Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Oncology Department at Manipal Hospital, confirmed the tragic news.
"I wish this news was untrue" — Rajpal Yadav
Comedian and actor Rajpal Yadav expressed his deep sorrow and disbelief regarding the loss of the veteran star. Speaking to the media, a visibly shaken Yadav shared his prayers for the departed soul.
"Wherever Nana Bhai is, I pray that he finds peace and happiness. I pray for his soul. I wish this news had been untrue. I never imagined he would leave us so soon," said Rajpal Yadav.
Yadav added that he had always envisioned Patekar continuing his craft well into his 90s or even 100s, making his sudden exit even harder to process.
Raza Murad Remembers the Silent Philanthropist
Veteran actor Raza Murad paid a moving tribute to Patekar, highlighting not just his acting prowess but his extraordinary character. Murad noted that Patekar was a man of immense willpower who stood entirely apart from the rest of the industry.
Murad revealed startling details about Patekar's legendary generosity, noting that the actor lived by a code of silent charity:
- Extreme Philanthropy: Murad claimed that if Patekar charged ₹1 crore for a film, he would often donate as much as ₹90 lakhs to charitable causes.
- Social Impact: He was known to adopt entire villages and provide significant support to the farming community.
- Humility: He practiced a form of charity where "the right hand did not know what the left hand was giving," never seeking publicity for his good deeds.
"There will never be another Nana Patekar," Murad remarked, emphasizing that his physical and mental strength was unmatched.
A Legendary Legacy in Cinema
Nana Patekar’s journey from his acting debut in the 1978 film Gaman to becoming a cinematic icon was marked by powerful, transformative performances. He left an indelible mark on both Hindi and Marathi cinema through a string of critically acclaimed films, including:
- Parinda
- Prahar
- Angaar
- Krantiveer
- Tiranga
- Khamoshi
- Ab Tak Chhappan
His contribution to Marathi cinema was equally significant, with the drama Natsamrat serving as a career-defining masterpiece. Even in his later years, Patekar remained active in the industry, with recent appearances in Housefull 5 and the upcoming Vishal Bhardwaj project, O’Romeo, alongside Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri.