Veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar , celebrated for his powerful performances in Bollywood films and his distinctive dialogue delivery, has reportedly died at the age of 75 in Goa.
Patekar was one of the most respected actors in Indian cinema, earning recognition for his ability to portray a wide range of characters, including gangsters, police officers, soldiers and troubled individuals. He was also a prominent figure in Marathi cinema and theatre.
According to reports, the actor was found unconscious at his residence in Goa in the early hours of Thursday and was rushed to a nearby hospital. A doctor identified as Dr Shekhar Salkar reportedly said medical personnel attempted to revive him through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but their efforts were unsuccessful.
The doctor said Patekar was almost unresponsive when the medical team arrived at his residence. Efforts to resuscitate him reportedly continued during the journey to the hospital, but he could not be saved. A cardiac arrest was identified as the cause of death, although the specific trigger was not immediately known.
Following news of his reported death, tributes poured in from prominent Indian actors, political leaders and admirers who celebrated his contribution to the entertainment industry.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly described Patekar as a versatile performer whose memorable characters would remain in the hearts of generations. He also expressed sadness over the loss, noting that the actor’s death had created a significant gap in the artistic community.
Bollywood actor Anupam Kher also paid tribute to his friend, praising his exceptional performances and personal qualities. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan reportedly remembered Patekar as a mentor, teacher, critic and friend, while Akshay Kumar praised his commanding screen presence, distinctive voice and commitment to his craft.
Patekar began his film career with Gaman in 1978, initially appearing in supporting roles. His breakthrough came with the 1989 crime drama Parinda, in which he played the gangster Anna. His performance earned him major recognition, including a National Film Award and a Filmfare Award.
He went on to establish himself as one of Bollywood’s most versatile performers through films such as Prahaar, Tirangaa, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi and the comedy hit Welcome.
His portrayal of Major Chauhan in Prahaar, a film he also directed, received considerable praise. In Krantiveer, he delivered another acclaimed performance as Pratap Narayan Tilak, further strengthening his reputation as an actor capable of bringing intensity and emotion to complex roles.
Patekar’s three National Film Awards reflected the breadth of his acting career, with honours associated with his performances in Parinda, Krantiveer and Agni Sakshi.
Beyond his film achievements, the actor maintained a strong connection with theatre, particularly Marathi and Hindi productions. He appeared in several acclaimed plays, including Purush and Hamidabai Chi Kothi.
His distinctive voice and memorable dialogue delivery also made him a popular figure among comedy performers and internet users. Several lines from his films became widely repeated, while comedians continued to imitate his dramatic style.
Outside entertainment, Patekar was known for speaking openly about political and social issues, particularly the challenges facing farmers in Maharashtra.
In 2015, he and fellow actor Makarand Anaspure established the Naam Foundation, an organisation focused on supporting farmers and promoting water conservation in Maharashtra. The initiative became an important part of his public service activities.
However, his career also faced controversy. In 2018, actress Tanushree Dutta accused him of sexual harassment over an alleged incident on a film set about a decade earlier. Patekar denied the allegations. In 2019, police reportedly closed the case after stating that they had not found sufficient evidence to proceed against him.
Patekar’s reported death marks the end of a career that spanned several decades and left a lasting impression on Indian cinema, theatre and social activism.
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