Legendary actor Nana Patekar passed away at 75 due to a cardiac arrest, leaving the Indian film fraternity in mourning. Stars like Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, and Jr NTR paid heartfelt tributes, remembering his unmatched intensity, individuality, and lasting legacy in cinema. His contributions to Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu films will be cherished for generations.
The Indian entertainment industry came together on Thursday to pay homage to Nana Patekar, following the legendary actor’s sudden passing in Goa at the age of 75. The three-time National Award-winning icon suffered a severe cardiac arrest at his Dona Paula residence on Thursday morning.
As the news of his passing broke, artistes across Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu cinema took to social media to pay heartfelt tributes to the legend, remembering his fierce individuality, unmatched screen intensity, and lasting legacy.
Superstar Rajinikanth, who shared a close friendship with the actor, posted on X, "I can’t believe my dear friend Nanaji is no longer with us. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace."
Akshay Kumar, who co-starred with Patekar in the blockbuster comedy Welcome and reunited with him on Housefull 5, shared a nostalgic image from their Welcome days alongside an emotional note.
"Really saddened by the news of Nana ji’s passing. He was one of those rare actors who never needed to do too much to make you sit up and watch. That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance… he was completely his own. I feel fortunate that we got to work together in Welcome, and then again more recently in Housefull 5. There are so many memories from those sets that I’ll always hold close. Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It’s hard to believe you’re gone. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say."
Kamal Haasan took to X and shared a picture with Patekar, writing that he was "heartbroken" hearing about his demise.
"An extraordinary artist and an even greater human being. The man was a force of nature, and he uplifted the lives of those around him. Beyond the screen, his work helping farmers in Maharashtra and his volunteer service during the Kargil War spoke volumes about his deep sense of duty. My deepest condolences to his family and his legions of fans."
Jr NTR remembered the legend’s contribution to the craft, writing, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Nana Patekar sir, one of Indian cinema’s finest actors. There was an unmistakable honesty and intensity in every character he portrayed. His performances never felt like acting, but life unfolding on screen. A remarkable artist whose contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered for generations. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti."
For many actors who broke into the industry during the 1990s and 2000s, Patekar’s journey served as an anchor. Manoj Bajpayee shared a picture of the veteran actor and penned a moving message on X.
"Shocking! Still cannot believe Nana Patekar ji is no more. For so many of us who came to Mumbai hoping to find a place in films, his journey gave us hope. He made you believe that your craft, your individuality and being true to who you are could be enough to make your own place. We have lost one of our finest actors. You will be deeply missed, Nana ji. Om Shanti."
His long-time co-stars from landmark films also expressed their grief. Urmila Matondkar, who starred alongside Patekar in Ram Gopal Varma’s horror classic Bhoot, wrote, "Devastated beyond words..just frozen with grief. Shocking, shattering n extremely saddening. What do you even write about someone who can never be captured in words. Great Patriarch of Marathi theatre n awesome human being. Aamche Nana."
Paresh Rawal, who shared iconic comedic chemistry with Patekar as Dr. Ghungroo to his Uday Shetty in Welcome, paid a short but poignant tribute on X, calling him "insanely honest and intense".
Manisha Koirala, who shared the screen with Patekar in Khamoshi: The Musical and Agni Sakshi, added, "Deeply saddened by the passing of a great actor, a remarkable presence and a true stalwart of the craft. His contribution to cinema and his dedication to his craft will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti."
Patekar was found unconscious at his residence and was rushed to Manipal Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him. According to Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Oncology Department at Manipal Hospital, the actor could not be revived despite 45 minutes of continuous cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A medico-legal case has been registered and a post-mortem examination will follow.