Veteran Bollywood Actor Nana Patekar Dies at 75

Nana Patekar was found unconscious and rushed to Manipal Hospital, where doctors were unable to revive him. His son, Malhar, confirmed the news. He is remembered for his contributions to Marathi theatre and to Hindi and Marathi cinema over nearly five decades.

His body was brought from Goa to Pune, and he was cremated with full state honors on the night of October 8 at his farmhouse in his native village of Donje. Malhar performed the last rites, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was among those who paid their respects.

Nearly Five Decades On Stage and Screen

Born Vishwanath Patekar in Maharashtra in 1951, he began his career in Marathi theatre before moving into films. He worked across both critically acclaimed parallel cinema and commercially successful mainstream films.

His best-known roles include Salaam Bombay!, Parinda and Krantiveer. Mainstream audiences also knew him as the gangster Uday Shetty in Welcome.

Patekar won three National Film Awards and received the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours, in 2013.

He also worked as a director, with Prahaar: The Final Attack among his credits. He continued to work in both Hindi and Marathi cinema, and his performance in the Marathi film Natsamrat drew wide praise.

Beyond cinema, he was involved with the Naam Foundation, which supports farmers and communities affected by drought in Maharashtra.

Tributes

Tributes poured in from political leaders and the film industry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Patekar’s “intensity, individuality and unmistakable presence” and his contribution to Indian cinema.

Akshay Kumar, who worked with him in several films, said: “That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance... he was completely his own.”

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis offered his condolences and highlighted Patekar’s contribution to both Marathi and Hindi cinema.

Patekar leaves behind a career that moved across theatre, parallel cinema, mainstream Bollywood and filmmaking. His performances and contributions beyond cinema remain an important part of his legacy.