Veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar, one of the most respected performers in Hindi and Marathi cinema, has died at the age of 75 after suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa.
Patekar died at around 5:20am on Thursday, according to Dr Shekhar Salkar, chief of the oncology department at Manipal Hospital. The actor was reportedly found unconscious at his home before being taken to the hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Doctors at Manipal Hospital attempted to revive the actor through continuous cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for approximately 45 minutes. Despite the efforts, he could not be revived.
Authorities have registered a medico-legal case (MLC), while a post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted to determine the exact cause of death and document the circumstances surrounding his passing.
The news of Patekar’s death marks a major loss for Indian cinema, where he had built a reputation for powerful performances, distinctive dialogue delivery and an ability to portray complex characters with intensity.
Born and raised in India, Patekar went on to establish himself as a major figure in both Hindi and Marathi entertainment. His career stretched across more than four decades, during which he appeared in films spanning drama, crime, action and comedy.
Among his best-known films are Krantiveer, Parinda, Agni Sakshi, Ab Tak Chhappan, Raajneeti, Welcome and Natsamrat. His performances in these productions demonstrated his versatility and helped him connect with audiences across different generations.
Patekar was particularly recognised for taking on challenging roles that often required emotional depth and a strong screen presence. His performances frequently moved beyond conventional commercial cinema, allowing him to build a distinct identity within the Indian film industry.
His contribution to cinema was also recognised through several major awards and honours. Over the course of his career, he received National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards for his work.
His role in Krantiveer, in particular, became one of the defining performances of his career and further established him as an actor capable of carrying socially and politically charged stories.
Patekar also demonstrated his range through films such as Welcome, where his performance in a comedy setting introduced him to another generation of mainstream movie audiences.
In Marathi cinema, his work in Natsamrat was another important milestone. The film showcased his ability to handle emotionally demanding material and reinforced his standing as a versatile performer.
Beyond individual films, Patekar’s career represented a long chapter in the development of modern Indian cinema. His distinctive acting style and memorable performances made him a recognisable name among audiences in India and beyond.
His death at 75 brings an end to a career that lasted more than four decades and included some of the most memorable performances in Hindi and Marathi films.
The post-mortem examination will provide further details regarding the circumstances of his death, while the medico-legal investigation remains underway.
