Veteran Actor Nana Patekar Dies at 73 Following Cardiac Arrest in Goa

Veteran actor Nana Patekar was laid to rest with full state honours at his farmhouse in Donje near Pune on Thursday night. The final rites took place hours after the actor died following a heart attack at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa.

Final Journey

Patekar suffered a cardiac emergency in the early hours of Thursday, October 8, and was rushed to a private hospital in an unconscious state. Doctors attempted to revive him for around 45 minutes before pronouncing him dead at approximately 5:20 am. His son, Malhar Patekar, confirmed the death. Before transport to Pune, his mortal remains were kept at Goa Medical College and Hospital for public respects, then taken to Manohar International Airport at Mopa. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis received the remains at Pune International Airport.

Tributes and Attendance

State honours were arranged following an announcement by Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, who cited the actor's unparalleled contribution to Marathi plays and cinema. Political leaders including Sunetra Pawar, Eknath Shinde, Chandrakant Patil, Madhuri Misal, Murlidhar Mohol, and Ramdas Athawale attended the funeral alongside actor Jackie Shroff. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Manoj Bajpayee, Rajinikanth, Paresh Rawal, Prakash Raj, and Jr NTR also offered tributes.

Career and Legacy

Patekar was a three-time National Award winner recognized for his intense screen presence and work in films such as Parinda, Krantiveer, and Natsamrat, alongside popular comedies like Welcome. He made his film debut in 1978 with Gaman, directed Prahaar: The Final Attack, received the Padma Shri in 2013, and worked extensively with social causes through the Naam Foundation.

Context

State funerals in India are reserved for eminent figures who have made extraordinary contributions to public life, arts, or governance. Veteran actors of Patekar's stature often receive such honors to recognize their enduring cultural impact on the nation.