"Feel like killing GOD for killing the GOD of acting": RGV reacts to Nana Patekar’s sudden demise
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma expresses shock and grief over the sudden passing of veteran actor Nana Patekar.
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has expressed profound shock and grief following the sudden passing of veteran actor Nana Patekar. In a deeply emotional reaction, Varma, who shared a long-standing professional relationship with the actor, stated that he is finding it nearly impossible to accept that the legendary performer is no longer with us.
A Heartbreaking Loss for Cinema
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Varma shared his devastation over the suddenness of the tragedy. Despite acknowledging the reality of mortality, the director struggled to process the news of Patekar's passing.
"YES, everybody knows nobody is immortal.. But I still can’t believe this can so suddenly happen to a man, as strong as him.. I hate his heart for failing him and I feel like killing GOD for killing the GOD of acting, NANA PATEKAR." Varma wrote in a poignant post.
The Final Moments in Goa
Nana Patekar passed away on Thursday at the age of 75. The veteran actor suffered a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa. According to reports, Patekar had reached out to a friend around 2:30 am, mentioning that he was feeling unwell. By the time his friend arrived at the residence at approximately 4:00 am, the situation had become critical.
Patekar was rushed to Manipal Hospital, where medical professionals fought to revive him for nearly 45 minutes. Despite their intensive efforts, he could not be saved, as confirmed by Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Oncology Department at Manipal Hospital.
A Legacy of Iconic Performances
The bond between Ram Gopal Varma and Nana Patekar was defined by several memorable cinematic collaborations. Their journey began with the 2003 film Bhoot, and they continued to work together on projects such as Darna Mana Hai. One of their most celebrated collaborations was the 2004 crime drama Ab Tak Chhappan, where Patekar delivered a powerhouse performance as the encounter specialist Sadhu Agashe.
They reunited a decade later for the 2013 film The Attacks of 26/11, where Patekar portrayed Joint Commissioner of Police Rakesh Maria.
A Career Spanning Decades
Patekar was a towering figure in both Hindi and Marathi cinema. Since his acting debut in Gaman in 1978, he had become a household name through iconic films such as:
- Parinda
- Prahar
- Angaar
- Krantiveer
- Tiranga
- Khamoshi
Even in his later years, Patekar remained active in the industry, with recent appearances in Housefull 5, Vishal Bhardwaj’s O’Romeo, and a cameo in Subedar alongside Anil Kapoor and Radhika Madan. His sudden departure leaves a massive void in the Indian film industry.