"Truly Shocking": Sayaji Shinde Recalls Last Conversation With Nana Patekar
Veteran actor Sayaji Shinde shares emotional details of his final conversation with Nana Patekar before his sudden passing.
The Indian film industry is reeling from the sudden and tragic loss of veteran actor Nana Patekar. The news of his passing has sent shockwaves through both the Marathi and Hindi cinema circles, leaving colleagues and fans in a state of profound grief.
Marathi actor Sayaji Shinde, a close contemporary, shared an emotional account of his final interaction with the legendary performer. Shinde expressed his disbelief, noting that he had been in contact with Patekar just a day before the tragedy struck.
A Heartbreaking Final Conversation
Speaking to reporters while visibly shaken, Shinde recounted the surreal nature of receiving the news. He mentioned that he was in the middle of work when the call arrived, changing everything in an instant.
"It’s truly shocking. We were having such a good conversation yesterday, and then, all of a sudden, this happened… I don’t know what to say… I found out about the situation at 7 this morning. I was working when I got the call…"
Shinde’s words highlight the suddenness of the loss, as the lively dialogue they shared just 24 hours prior has now become a haunting memory.
Medical Details of the Sudden Passing
The veteran actor passed away at 5:20 am on Thursday. According to medical professionals, the cause of death was a sudden cardiac arrest at his residence.
Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Department of Oncology at Manipal Hospital, confirmed the details via telephone. He stated that medical teams attempted to revive Patekar through CPR for 45 minutes, but the actor remained in asystole during the procedure. A medico-legal case (MLC) has been processed, and a post-mortem examination is required to complete the formalities.
A Legendary Legacy in Cinema
At 75, Nana Patekar leaves behind a massive void in the entertainment industry. He was a powerhouse performer known for his intense presence and unique acting style in both regional and mainstream national cinema.
His journey began with his acting debut in the 1978 film Gaman. Over the decades, he became a household name through critically acclaimed performances in iconic films such as:
- Parinda
- Prahar
- Angaar
- Krantiveer
- Tiranga
- Khamoshi
- Ab Tak Chhappan
Even in his later years, Patekar remained an active and sought-after talent. His recent filmography included a role in Housefull 5 alongside Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, and Riteish Deshmukh. He was also set to appear in Vishal Bhardwaj’s O’Romeo, starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, and had a cameo in Subedar featuring Anil Kapoor and Radhika Madan.