Veteran Actor Nana Patekar Dies at 75 in Goa

Veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar has died at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Goa. His son Malhar confirmed the death to BBC Marathi. Patekar was found unconscious at his home in the early hours of Thursday and admitted to Manipal Hospital. Dr Shekhar Salkar stated that despite 45 minutes of continuous CPR, he could not be revived. The Maharashtra government announced that his funeral will take place with full state honours at his farmhouse in Pune.

Career and Legacy

Recognised for playing complex and volatile characters, Patekar won three National Film Awards for his roles in Parinda, Krantiveer, and Agni Sakshi. He began his career in theatre before making his film debut in the 1978 movie Gaman. He became a household name across India following his performance as the gangster Anna in the 1989 film Parinda, which earned him his first National Film Award and a Filmfare Award. His versatile career also included directing the film Prahaar, where he played Major Chauhan, alongside memorable roles in Tirangaa, Khamoshi, and Rajneeti.

Public Life and Politics

Patekar occupied a unique space in Maharashtra's public life, known for extensive social work including relief initiatives for drought-hit farm families. In 2015, he co-founded the Naam Foundation with actor Makarand Anaspure to help distressed farmers and support water conservation. Beyond cinema, he cultivated warm ties across party lines, hosting leaders from rival political parties for Ganesh festival celebrations at his home in Mumbai and later at his Pune farm. He was also a long-time supporter of Baba Amte's Anandwan project and played Prakash Amte in an acclaimed biographical film.

Controversies and Tributes

His outspoken nature often landed him in controversy, including public disagreements with leaders like Balasaheb Thackeray, Raj Thackeray, and factions of the Shiv Sena over various social and political issues. Following his death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led tributes on X, praising his versatility and stating that his death left a vast void in the artistic world. Bollywood star Akshay Kumar also remembered him as a rare performer whose intensity and honesty commanded an audience's attention.

Context

Patekar's death marks the end of an era for both Marathi and Hindi cinema, where he bridged the worlds of commercial success and gritty, character-driven art. His career spanned nearly five decades, moving fluidly between intense dramatic roles, direction, and grassroots social activism. State honours for his funeral reflect his deep cultural footprint in Maharashtra's public and artistic life.