Legendary Actor Nana Patekar Passes Away at 75
Legendary actor Nana Patekar dies following a cardiac arrest. PM Modi and RSS leaders pay tribute to his cinematic legacy and social impact.
The Indian film industry has lost one of its most powerful and distinctive voices. Veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away early Thursday morning at the age of 75, following a sudden cardiac arrest at his residence.
Sudden Demise at Residence
The news of his passing was confirmed by Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Department of Oncology at Manipal Hospital. According to medical details, Patekar suffered a cardiac arrest at his home at approximately 5:20 am. Despite medical teams performing CPR for 45 minutes, he remained in asystole throughout the procedure. A medico-legal case has been completed, and a post-mortem examination is required to finalize the medical reports.
PM Modi Calls Him a 'Revolutionary' Artist
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress at Yashobhoomi, expressed his deep grief over the loss. The Prime Minister lauded Patekar not just as a performer, but as a man who used the medium of cinema to challenge the status quo.
"He was an exceptional artist who won the hearts of audiences through the diverse characters he portrayed," PM Modi stated. He further described the actor's career as one of boundless freedom, saying, "Nana Patekar ji devoted his life to the art and craft of cinema. He never allowed himself to be confined by boundaries; like a bird, he soared freely across the skies of cinema."
The Prime Minister also highlighted Patekar's social consciousness, calling him a "revolutionary" who used his platform to fight social evils and injustices. "His words were as powerful as his silence was impactful," the PM added, noting that Patekar consistently stood against forces working against the nation.
RSS Pays Tribute to His Distinctive Persona
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) also joined the nation in mourning. In a formal statement shared on X, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale extended their condolences to the family and admirers of the late actor.
The Sangh highlighted his ability to blend acting excellence with social advocacy: "As an actor, Nana established a distinctive persona, and throughout his long artistic career, he not only exemplified excellence in acting but also inspired people to engage in positive discussions on numerous socially significant topics."
A Legacy of Cinematic Excellence
Nana Patekar was a titan of both Hindi and Marathi cinema. His journey began with his acting debut in the 1978 film Gaman, and he quickly rose to prominence through a series of critically acclaimed performances. His filmography includes iconic titles such as:
- Parinda
- Prahar
- Angaar
- Krantiveer
- Tiranga
- Khamoshi
- Ab Tak Chhappan
Even in his later years, Patekar remained active in the industry, most recently appearing in the film Housefull 5 alongside stars like Akshay Kumar and Abhishek Bachchan. His passing marks the end of an era for Indian cinema, leaving behind a legacy of intense, meaningful, and transformative performances.