Veteran actor and Kargil volunteer Nana Patekar dies at 75 in Goa

Veteran actor Nana Patekar died at the age of 75 following a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa on Thursday morning. His son, Malhar, confirmed the news to local media. According to Manipal Hospital, where he was rushed after being found unconscious in Dona Paula, doctors attempted to revive the actor with continuous CPR for around 45 minutes before he was declared dead at 5:20 am. Dr. Shekhar Salkar, chief of the oncology department at the hospital, stated that a medico-legal case was opened and an autopsy would follow.

Career and Film Legacy

Born Vishwanath Patekar in Murud-Janjira, Maharashtra, the actor studied at Mumbai's Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art and made his film debut in 1978's 'Gaman'. Over a decades-long career, he won three National Film Awards and earned acclaim for roles ranging from the crime lord in 'Parinda' to the comic gangster in 'Welcome'. He also directed and starred in the 1991 film 'Prahaar: The Final Attack'. His extensive filmography includes notable works like 'Krantiveer', 'Abتماد Tak Chhappan', 'Natsamrat', and voicing Shere Khan in the Hindi version of 'The Jungle Book'.

Kargil War Service

Beyond cinema, Patekar was known for his philanthropy and association with the Indian Army as part of the Territorial Army. During the 1999 Kargil War, he paused his career and sought special permission from then-Defence Minister George Fernandes to serve at the frontlines. Having trained with the Maratha Light Infantry for three years while preparing for 'Prahaar', he spent over a fortnight near the Line of Control in August 1999, working in a base hospital and serving as part of the Quick Response Team. He recalled dropping from 76 kg to 56 kg during his gruelling stint at the front.

Context

Veteran actors in India often maintain deep ties with public service, philanthropic causes, and patriotic initiatives outside their film work. The Territorial Army unit Patekar trained with, the Maratha Light Infantry, is one of the oldest infantry regiments of the Indian Army with a long history of combat honours.