“Like a bird, he soared freely”: PM Modi honors Nana Patekar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi honors the legacy of veteran actor Nana Patekar, describing him as a revolutionary artist who soared through cinema.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid a moving tribute to the legendary actor Nana Patekar, following the veteran's sudden passing early Thursday morning. Speaking at the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress at Yashobhoomi, the Prime Minister remembered the actor as an exceptional artist who dedicated his entire life to the craft of cinema.
The veteran performer, a towering figure in both Hindi and Marathi cinema, passed away at 5:20 am after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence. Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Department of Oncology at Manipal Hospital, confirmed that despite 45 minutes of CPR, the actor could not be revived.
A Revolutionary Artist
During his speech, PM Modi highlighted the unique way Patekar navigated the film industry. He noted that the actor never allowed himself to be restricted by specific genres or types of roles, comparing his artistic freedom to that of a bird.
“He was an exceptional artist who won the hearts of audiences through the diverse characters he portrayed. He never allowed himself to be confined by boundaries; like a bird, he soared freely across the skies of cinema,” the Prime Minister remarked.
Beyond his acting prowess, the Prime Minister lauded Patekar for using his platform to address pressing social issues. He described the actor as a "revolutionary" who used his art to challenge injustices and stand firmly against forces that worked against the nation.
“Through his films, he powerfully challenged the injustices and shortcomings prevalent in society. He was a revolutionary in his own way, who worked against social evils. His words were as powerful as his silence was impactful,” PM Modi added, while expressing his deepest condolences to the actor's family and admirers.
A Legacy of Powerful Performances
Nana Patekar's journey in the film industry began with his debut in the 1978 film Gaman. Over the decades, he became synonymous with intense, character-driven performances that left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. His filmography includes several critically acclaimed works such as:
- Parinda
- Krantiveer
- Tiranga
- Prahar
- Angaar
- Khamoshi
- Ab Tak Chhappan
Even in his later years, Patekar remained active in the industry. He was part of the upcoming Housefull 5 alongside Akshay Kumar and Abhishek Bachchan. His recent work also includes a role as a police officer in Vishal Bhardwaj’s O’Romeo, featuring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, as well as a cameo in the film Subedar starring Anil Kapoor.
The loss of the 75-year-old actor marks the end of an era for Indian cinema, leaving behind a legacy of fearless storytelling and social consciousness.