Jammu: Veteran actor Nana Patekar died at the age of 75 in Goa on Thursday, prompting condolences from President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Lieutenant Governors of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Patekar died at his residence in Dona Paula in the early hours of Thursday after he was found unconscious. Doctors said he was suspected to have suffered a heart attack. He was taken to a private hospital, where attempts to revive him continued for around 45 minutes before he was declared dead at 5.10 am.
His death triggered an outpouring of tributes from across the country, with leaders and fellow actors remembering his distinctive screen presence, powerful performances and contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema.
President Murmu expressed deep sadness over Patekar’s passing, saying his evocative performances had brought a wide range of human experiences to life and left a lasting impression on audiences. She also recalled his commitment to social service and concern for the underprivileged.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Patekar as an actor known for his intensity, individuality and creativity, saying his contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema was immense.
“The distinctiveness of Shri Nana Patekarji’s acting, his intensity and impactful personality—these are qualities found in only a few artists,” Modi said in a condolence message, adding that his passing had created a void that would be difficult to fill.
The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir also mourned the actor’s death, describing Patekar as a master of his craft whose powerful presence on screen and stage had left an indelible mark on Indian entertainment.
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena called Patekar “an absolute legend of Indian cinema”, recalling his intensity, iconic dialogue delivery and raw performances.
Saxena said Patekar’s contribution had redefined acting in Hindi and Marathi cinema and also remembered him for his humility and selflessness.
Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Farooq Abdullah on Thursday expressed deep grief over the death of actor Nana Patekar, describing him as a noble human being who “never looked at religion” and dedicated his life to helping the poor and marginalised.
Recalling his close bond with the late actor, who made an indelible mark in Indian cinema with iconic hits such as ‘Krantiveer’ and ‘Parinda’, Abdullah described Patekar as a “people’s favourite” whose compassion knew no bounds.
“He was a very good friend of mine and a very noble person. Throughout his life, he helped the poor. He himself used to stay in tribal villages, especially in areas where the most deprived people live, to help ease their difficulties,” Abdullah, who is also president of the National Conference, said.
Recalling his personal interactions with the veteran actor, he remembered taking Patekar on a visit to remote regions of the Kashmir Valley.
“I met him when he came once, and I took him from Kupwara. General Pathankar was the commander there at that time, from there, I took him in a helicopter to Gurez, Mushkoh Valley and showed him around,” Abdullah said.
The former union minister also fondly remembered a lighter moment shared with the actor during a social occasion in Srinagar.
“We would often meet when he would visit Kashmir. Once, he even attended a wedding here, and I got a chance to dance with him,” Abdullah said with a smile appearing on his face.
“And by the grace of Allah, he had one tremendous quality, gentleness, and along with gentleness, he could recognise people’s hardships. Today, because it was God’s will that he must now return, I heard the very sad news of his passing this morning. He had just done his last shooting for his last film in Goa,” he added.
Expressing condolences on behalf of himself and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah highlighted Patekar’s selfless nature.
“And as I told you, he had gentleness in him. He never looked at religion, he looked at what a person’s sorrows are, what his pain is, and tried to remove that pain as much as he could,” he said.
However, with sadness visible on his face, the veteran politician said that the cycle of death is certain and every human being has to return to the creator.
“But then everyone’s time comes, and he did as much as he could, and no one can forget it,” he said.
Patekar, born Vishwanath Patekar in Maharashtra in 1951, rose from financial hardship and theatre to become one of Indian cinema’s most recognisable actors. His film career included Gaman, Salaam Bombay!, Parinda, Prahaar: The Final Act, Tirangaa, Krantiveer, Khamoshi: The Musical and Welcome.
He won three National Film Awards for Parinda, Krantiveer and Agni Sakshi, besides several other honours, and was awarded the Padma Shri.
Patekar’s journey also included theatre, direction and social work. He had trained with the Maratha Light Infantry for his film Prahaar and later spent time with troops during the Kargil War in 1999.
He is survived by his wife Neelkanti and son Malhar. His last rites are to be held at his farmhouse in Pune with state honours.
