Goa (Rajeev Sharma): Veteran actor and filmmaker Nana Patekar, one of the most recognisable faces of Indian cinema, died on Thursday morning at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa.
Patekar was found unconscious at his apartment in Dona Paula, near Panaji, and was taken to Manipal Hospital for emergency treatment. Doctors reportedly attempted to revive him for nearly 45 minutes, but their efforts were unsuccessful. He was declared dead at around 5:20 a.m.
Hospital authorities said the actor had been brought in after he was found unresponsive at his residence. A medico-legal case has been registered, and a post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out as part of the formal procedure.
Born Vishwanath Patekar in Maharashtra, Nana Patekar built a career distinguished by his powerful performances and commanding screen presence. He worked extensively in both Hindi and Marathi cinema and became known for taking on emotionally demanding and complex roles.
His notable films include Parinda, Prahaar, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Ab Tak Chhappan, Natsamrat and Welcome. While many of his performances were rooted in serious drama, his portrayal of Uday Shetty in Welcome and its subsequent franchise showcased his ability to excel in comedy as well.
Patekar was also active behind the camera. He directed Prahaar: The Final Attack and contributed to cinema as a writer. Over the course of his career, he received three National Film Awards and several other major honours, including the Padma Shri.
Even in his later years, Patekar continued to remain connected with the film industry and public events. His long career, spanning several decades, earned him a dedicated following among audiences across generations.
His sudden death has left the Indian film industry and millions of fans mourning the loss of one of its most distinctive performers. Known for his unmistakable voice, intense acting style and ability to bring depth to a wide range of characters, Nana Patekar leaves behind a body of work that has made a lasting mark on Indian cinema.
