Veteran actor Nana Patekar, known for his powerful performances in Hindi and Marathi cinema, died at 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest
Veteran actor Nana Patekar died at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest in Goa. The National Award-winning actor had a decades-long career in Hindi and Marathi cinema and was also known for his social work supporting farmers.
Panaji: Veteran actor Nana Patekar, one of the most recognised performers in Hindi and Marathi cinema, died at the age of 75 in Goa on Thursday, October 8, 2026, following a cardiac arrest.
Patekar died at his residence in Goa in the early hours of Thursday. His son, Malhar Patekar, confirmed the death and said he was travelling to Goa and would issue a detailed statement. The family described the death as occurring due to natural reasons.
Reports said Patekar was found unconscious at his residence after suffering the cardiac arrest. Medical efforts were made to revive him, but he could not be saved.
Born Vishwanath Dinkar Patekar on January 1, 1951, in Murud, Maharashtra, Nana Patekar built a career spanning Hindi and Marathi cinema, theatre and filmmaking. He became known for his distinctive dialogue delivery, intense performances and ability to portray characters across a wide range of genres.
Nana Patekar’s Journey From Theatre To Cinema
Patekar began his professional career in theatre before making his film debut with Gaman in 1978. His work in Marathi theatre and Hindi cinema gradually established him as an actor associated with realistic and intense performances.
His breakthrough years included appearances in films such as Salaam Bombay!, Parinda, Angaar, Tirangaa and Krantiveer. His performances frequently moved away from the conventional image of the Bollywood leading man, instead focusing on emotionally complex, troubled and authoritative characters.
His performance in Parinda earned him his first National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. He later won the National Film Award for Best Actor for Krantiveer and another Best Supporting Actor award for Agni Sakshi. He therefore won three National Film Awards during his career.
Memorable Nana Patekar Roles In Hindi Cinema
Nana Patekar became particularly recognised for roles that demanded emotional intensity and strong dialogue delivery. In Parinda, he portrayed the character Anna, while Krantiveer featured him as Pratap Narayan Tilak, a character associated with anger against corruption and injustice.
His other notable Hindi films included Agni Sakshi, Tirangaa, Khamoshi: The Musical, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan and Raajneeti.
Patekar also demonstrated a markedly different side of his acting ability through comedy. His portrayal of Uday Shetty in Welcome became one of his most widely remembered commercial roles. The character introduced his performance style to a new generation of mainstream Hindi-film audiences.
His career consequently moved between serious drama, crime films, political stories, action cinema and comedy without being restricted to a single screen image.
Nana Patekar And Marathi Cinema
His performance in Natsamrat, the 2016 Marathi drama based on the celebrated Marathi play, was particularly acclaimed. He portrayed Ganpat Belwalkar, a retired stage actor confronting the challenges of old age, family relationships and changing circumstances.
His Marathi work added another dimension to his reputation as an actor capable of carrying emotionally demanding roles.
His performances were recognised through multiple awards, including Filmfare Awards Marathi. The Indian Express records two Filmfare Awards Marathi among his honours, including recognition for Prakash Baba Amte: The Real Hero.
Three National Film Awards And Other Honours
Nana Patekar's award record remains one of the strongest among Indian actors.
He won:
- National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor: Parinda (1989)
- National Film Award for Best Actor: Krantiveer (1994)
- National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor: Agni Sakshi (1996)
- Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor: Parinda
- Filmfare Award for Best Actor: Krantiveer
- Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role: Angaar
- Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role: Apaharan
He was also honoured with the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to the arts.
His achievements reflected his ability to move between supporting roles, leading characters and negative roles while maintaining a distinctive screen identity.
Nana Patekar As Actor And Filmmaker
Patekar also worked behind the camera. He made his directorial debut with Prahaar: The Final Attack, released in 1991.
The military drama reflected his interest in discipline, realism and the lives of soldiers. His work as a director added another dimension to a career that extended beyond acting.
His film career continued across several decades, with later appearances including films such as Kaala, while he remained associated with both mainstream and content-driven cinema.
Nana Patekar’s Work For Farmers
Away from cinema, Nana Patekar became widely known for his work supporting distressed farmers and rural communities in Maharashtra.
Along with actor Makarand Anaspure, he co-founded the Naam Foundation, which has worked with drought-affected farmers and their families. The organisation's work has included financial assistance and water-conservation initiatives in drought-hit regions.
In 2015, Patekar and Anaspure were involved in providing financial assistance to farm families and raising funds for drought-affected communities. The foundation subsequently expanded its work in areas including water conservation.
Patekar continued to speak publicly about farmers' difficulties. His association with the cause became an important part of his public life beyond the film industry.
Nana Patekar’s Legacy In Indian Cinema
Nana Patekar's legacy extends across nearly five decades of Indian cinema. He established himself through performances that relied heavily on voice, body language and emotional intensity rather than conventional star presentation.
From Parinda and Krantiveer to Agni Sakshi, Ab Tak Chhappan, Natsamrat and Welcome, his filmography reflected a wide range of characters and genres.
His death at 75 marks the passing of one of the most distinctive performers of Hindi and Marathi cinema. Tributes from the film industry, public figures and audiences are expected to continue as colleagues and admirers remember his contribution to Indian cinema and his work beyond the screen.
