Veteran Actor Nana Patekar Dies at 75 in Goa Due to Heart Attack

Veteran actor Nana Patekar died on Thursday morning at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Goa. An autopsy report from Goa Medical College and Hospital has confirmed that he died of a heart attack caused by a blood clot blocking his left main coronary artery. Doctors stated that his caretaker had approached a local medical facility for an ambulance after the actor felt unwell. Medical staff tried to revive him using CPR for 45 minutes, but he was declared dead at 5.10 am. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several political leaders mourned his death on social media, praising his intensity and versatile performances across nearly five decades in cinema. His son, Malhar, travelled to Goa to bring his body back. His remains were taken to Pune and then to his farmhouse in Donje village, where he was cremated with full state honours. Leaders including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, Union Ministers Ramdas Athawale and Murlidhar Mohol, and actor Jackie Shroff attended the funeral.

Context

Sudden cardiac arrests caused by coronary artery blockages are a leading medical emergency, often occurring when plaque buildup ruptures and forms a clot that cuts off blood flow to the heart. Nana Patekar leaves behind a rich legacy in both Hindi and Marathi cinema as an acclaimed actor, writer, and director who earned major national honours like the Padma Shri.

Background

Patekar started his film career with the 1978 Hindi film Gaman and later starred in notable projects like Parinda, Krantiveer, and Salaam Bombay!, winning three National Film Awards along the way. He also directed the film Prahaar: The Final Attack and was last seen in a surprise cameo appearance in the 2026 Prime Video film Subedaar.