Goa (Rajeev Sharma): Veteran actor Nana Patekar sent a message to a close friend in the early hours of Thursday saying that he was feeling unwell, shortly before he died at his residence in Goa, according to doctors at the hospital where he was treated.
The 75-year-old actor was staying at an apartment in Dona Paula, near Panaji, with a caretaker. He reportedly sent the message at about 3.30 am. His friend noticed it roughly half an hour later and immediately headed to Patekar’s home.
By the time the friend reached the apartment, Patekar was reportedly unconscious. The caretaker contacted medical authorities, following which an ambulance was dispatched to the residence.
Doctors said the hospital was only a few minutes away and emergency treatment began while Patekar was being transported. He was subsequently taken into the hospital, where medical staff continued efforts to save him.
According to Dr Shekhar Salkar, doctors performed CPR for approximately 45 minutes. Despite the prolonged resuscitation attempt, Patekar could not be revived and was pronounced dead at around 5.10 am.
The exact circumstances surrounding his death are expected to become clearer after a postmortem examination. Authorities have registered a medico-legal case, and Patekar’s body has been sent to Goa Medical College and Hospital in Bambolim for examination.
Patekar’s death brings an end to a career spanning several decades in Indian cinema. He became particularly known for performances that combined intensity and realism, earning recognition in both Hindi and Marathi films.
Among his widely remembered movies are Parinda, Prahaar: The Final Act, Tirangaa, Krantiveer and Khamoshi: The Musical. His work earned him three National Film Awards, while he was also recognised at the Filmfare and Maharashtra State Film Awards.
The actor’s contribution to Indian cinema was further acknowledged with the Padma Shri, one of the country’s major civilian honours.
For generations of moviegoers, Patekar remained an actor associated with powerful dialogue delivery and emotionally charged performances. His sudden death in Goa has prompted an outpouring of grief from the film fraternity and audiences who followed his work over the years.
