PM Modi mourns Nana Patekar’s demise, hails his cinematic legacy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several leaders pay tribute to veteran actor Nana Patekar following his sudden demise due to cardiac arrest.
Veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away on Thursday morning, leaving the Indian film industry and the nation in mourning. The legendary performer, known for his powerful screen presence and intense performances, died following a cardiac arrest at his residence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep condolences, describing Patekar as an actor who possessed “intensity, individuality and unmistakable presence.” In a heartfelt tribute shared on X, the Prime Minister noted that Patekar's work would be remembered for generations to come.
A Void in Hindi and Marathi Cinema
The Prime Minister highlighted the actor's immense contribution to both Hindi and Marathi cinema, praising his ability to bring versatility and creativity to every role he undertook. Beyond his acting prowess, PM Modi also admired Patekar for his reputation as a man of principle, noting that he was admired for his "frank and forthright views" and never hesitated to express his beliefs.
“His passing leaves a deep void. My condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers. Om Shanti,” the Prime Minister added.
Political Leaders Pay Tribute
The news of the actor's passing drew tributes from across the political spectrum:
- Yogi Adityanath: The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister described the demise of the Padma Shri awardee as an “irreplaceable loss” to the world of art. He lauded Patekar not just as a powerful theatre artist, but as a sensitive social worker who remained committed to societal concerns.
- Pushkar Singh Dhami: The Uttarakhand Chief Minister remarked on Patekar's ability to carve a distinct identity through his impactful dialogues and vibrant performances.
- Naveen Patnaik: The former Odisha Chief Minister recalled Patekar's distinctive dialogue delivery and his unique ability to portray complex characters with ease.
Details of the Sudden Passing
The veteran actor breathed his last at 5:20 am on Thursday. According to Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Department of Oncology at Manipal Hospital, Patekar suffered a cardiac arrest at his home. Medical teams administered CPR for 45 minutes, but he remained in asystole throughout the procedure. A medico-legal case has been completed, and a post-mortem examination is required.
A Legendary Career Spanning Decades
Nana Patekar’s journey in Indian cinema began with his debut in the 1978 film Gaman. Over the decades, he became a household name through iconic performances in films such as:
- Parinda
- Prahar
- Angaar
- Krantiveer
- Tiranga
- Khamoshi
- Ab Tak Chhappan
Even in his later years, Patekar remained active in the industry. He was part of the ensemble cast in Housefull 5 and appeared in Vishal Bhardwaj’s O’Romeo alongside Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri. He also made a notable cameo in the film Subedar, starring Anil Kapoor.