Veteran actor Nana Patekar dies at 75 after cardiac arrest at his Goa home
Mumbai: Veteran actor Nana Patekar died on Thursday morning at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac attack at his home in Goa. He was given CPR for nearly 45 minutes, but efforts to revive him failed.
Dr Shekhar Salkar of Manipal Hospital said the actor died at 5:20 am. A medico-legal case (MLC) has been registered following his death, and a post-mortem will be conducted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the actor’s death, saying few performers possessed the depth, distinct identity and striking presence that Nana Patekar brought to the screen. Modi said the actor showed remarkable range and creativity in every role, and that the characters he played will be remembered for generations. He added that Patekar was also known for his frank and clear views and never hesitated to speak his mind.
Describing his contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema as immense, the Prime Minister said Patekar’s death has left a deep void. Modi conveyed his condolences to the actor’s family, friends and crores of fans, and paid tribute to him.
Over a long career, Patekar acted in more than 100 films in Hindi as well as Marathi. His portrayal of Anna in the 1989 film ‘Parinda’ earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor, and he won the Best Actor National Award for the 1994 film ‘Krantiveer’. He received another Best Supporting Actor National Award for ‘Agnisakshi’ in 1996, bringing his tally to three National Film Awards, along with four Filmfare Awards. He was conferred the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to Indian cinema.
His comic turn as gangster Uday Shetty in the 2007 film ‘Welcome’ won wide appreciation, and he reprised the character in the sequel ‘Welcome Back’. Several of Uday Shetty’s dialogues went on to inspire memes, the most popular being the scene in which he calms himself with the line “Control Uday… control!”
Nana Patekar trained with Maratha Light Infantry for Prahaar
To prepare for the role of an Army Major in ‘Prahaar: The Final Attack’, Patekar underwent military training with the Indian Army’s Maratha Light Infantry for about three years. After completing the training, he joined the Territorial Army and was commissioned as an honorary Captain. He later served up to the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel and retired in 2013.
His association with the Army also came to the fore during the 1999 Kargil War. According to reports, he obtained special permission from then Defence Minister George Fernandes and spent about two to three weeks, or 15 to 20 days, with troops in forward areas, visiting places such as Drass, Leh, Kupwara and Sopore. Reports also stated that he spent time with the Army’s Quick Reaction Team (QRT).
Patekar had said in an interview that every individual should contribute something to the country in their own way. His respect for soldiers was evident on several occasions, and in 2016 he said the country came first for him and that soldiers were the nation’s real heroes.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed deep grief over the demise of renowned actor, director and theatre artist Nana Patekar.
He said Nana Patekar’s powerful performances and natural acting left an indelible mark on Hindi and Marathi cinema. His passing is a great loss to the Indian film fraternity.
The Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and admirers, and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri A. Revanth Reddy expressed deep grief over the demise of renowned actor, director and theatre artist Nana Patekar.
He said Nana Patekar’s powerful performances and natural acting left an indelible mark on Hindi and Marathi cinema. His passing is a great loss to the Indian film fraternity.
The Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and admirers, and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
— Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) October 8, 2026