Actor Nana Patekar Dies at 75 in Goa, Shah Rukh Khan Pays Emotional Tribute

The Passing of Nana Patekar

Acclaimed Indian actor and filmmaker Nana Patekar died on October 8 at the age of 75 at his home in Goa due to a cardiac arrest. Born in 1951 in Maharashtra, Patekar built a career spanning nearly five decades in Hindi and Marathi cinema. He made his film debut in the 1978 Hindi film Gaman and earned widespread acclaim for his intense performances in films like Parinda and Krantiveer, as well as Mira Nair's Oscar-nominated Salaam Bombay! During his storied career, he won three National Film Awards and received the Padma Shri civilian honor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned his death on X, praising his intensity and individuality, while noting he is survived by his wife and son. His funeral is scheduled to be held at his Pune farm on Thursday.

Tributes and Memories

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan penned an emotional note on Instagram recalling his friendship and work with Patekar, with whom he shared screen space in the 1992 film Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman and later in 2002 for Shakti: The Power. Shah Rukh shared a still from their first film together and recalled how Patekar once slapped his hand away for fixing his hair like a hero, telling him he was an actor. He remembered Patekar as a straightforward, honest mentor who showed affection through shouting before hugging, and recalled playing carrom with him. Shah Rukh quoted his advice to not lose the actor while trying to become a hero, stating that his friend left a void in cinema and the hearts of fans worldwide.

Context

Losses of veteran figures who shaped regional and national cinema often spark widespread mourning across the Indian film industry and among fans who grew up watching their landmark performances. Tributes from peers frequently highlight off-screen mentorship and creative philosophies that defined an entire era of filmmaking. The transition of veteran actors leaves behind a rich legacy of acclaimed work spanning decades across multiple languages.