Industry Mourns As Legend Nana Patekar Passes Away
Veteran actor Nana Patekar passes away following a cardiac arrest in Goa. Hema Malini, Subhash Ghai, and others pay tribute to the legendary artist.
The Indian film industry is in deep mourning following the sudden and untimely demise of veteran actor Nana Patekar. The legendary performer, known for his powerful screen presence and intense acting, passed away on Thursday after suffering a severe cardiac arrest in Goa.
According to reports, Patekar was rushed to Manipal Hospital, where medical professionals fought to revive him for approximately 45 minutes. Despite their best efforts, he could not be saved, a fact confirmed by Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Oncology Department at Manipal Hospital. His final rites are expected to be held at his farmhouse residence, 'Nanachi Wadi,' located in Donje village near Khadakwasla, Pune.
Hema Malini Calls Him an 'Institution of Acting'
Veteran actress and BJP MP Hema Malini expressed her profound shock and sadness over the loss. Describing him as a "magnificent artist," she noted that his sudden departure was unexpected.
"I was deeply saddened and shocked to learn that such a great actor is suddenly no longer among us. Birth and death are inevitable, but we never expect something so sudden. He was a magnificent artist—an institution of acting in his own right—with a unique acting style and a wonderful voice," Hema Malini said.The actress also highlighted his philanthropic side, mentioning his work through the Naam Foundation, which has supported numerous farmers and underprivileged individuals. She recalled recently calling him to praise his performance in the web series Sankalp, noting that he was very happy to receive the appreciation.
Subhash Ghai and Siddharth Roy Kapur Pay Tribute
Renowned director Subhash Ghai lauded Patekar not just for his talent, but for his character. He emphasized that the actor's greatness stemmed from his grounded nature and humanity.
"Words fall short when speaking about him because he wasn't just a star. He wasn't just a great actor; he was a great human being, too. He became a great actor because of his humanity. He became a great star because of his grounded nature," Ghai remarked, recalling how Patekar often donated his earnings to help children.
Producer Siddharth Roy Kapur also reflected on the actor's incredible versatility, noting the rare ability to transition between vastly different roles, from the gritty Parinda to the comedic Welcome.
A Legacy Spanning Decades
Nana Patekar's journey in cinema began in 1978 with the film Gaman. Over the decades, he became a household name through iconic performances in films such as:
- Parinda
- Krantiveer
- Tirangaa
- Khamoshi
- Ab Tak Chhappan
- Angaar
- Prahar
Even in his later years, the 75-year-old actor remained a vital part of the industry. His recent work included appearances in Housefull 5 and a role as a police officer in Vishal Bhardwaj’s O’Romeo, alongside a cameo in Subedar. His passing marks the end of an era for both Hindi and Marathi cinema.