MUMBAI: Legendary film and theatre actor Nana Patekar, one of the most powerful and distinctive voices in Indian cinema, passed away at his home in Goa in the early hours of Thursday, October 8, 2026. He was 75. The news was confirmed by his son, Malhar Patekar, who stated that the veteran performer suffered a cardiac arrest during the night.
Malhar expressed that he was traveling from Pune to Goa and would release a formal detailed statement upon arrival. Following the announcement, Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar confirmed that Patekar will be accorded a funeral with full state honours in recognition of his monumental contributions to Hindi and Marathi cinema, as well as Indian theatre.
Tributes Pour In Across Political and Film Fraternities
Condolences have flowed in from leaders, colleagues, and admirers across the nation. President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow, highlighting his intense, evocative performances and his dedicated social work for underprivileged communities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the late actor on X, reflecting on his intensity and unmistakable screen presence. The Prime Minister noted that Patekar brought remarkable versatility to every character he portrayed and praised his forthright personality, stating that his passing leaves an irreplaceable void in Indian cinema.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis remembered Patekar as a giant on screen and off it, noting his landmark career spanning from Krantiveer to Natsamrat. Fadnavis also lauded his philanthropic legacy through the Naam Foundation, which provided crucial support to drought-affected farmers across Maharashtra.
Actors across film industries also expressed grief over his sudden demise. His Welcome co-star Akshay Kumar recalled working alongside him in both Welcome and the recent Housefull 5, stating that Patekar possessed a rare intensity and honesty that required no overperformance to hold an audience captive. Telugu actor Jr NTR mourned the loss of “one of Indian cinema’s finest actors,” adding that Patekar’s performances never felt like acting, but rather like life unfolding on screen.
A Four-Decade Career Legacy
Nana Patekar made his feature film debut with Gaman (1978) after establishing a formidable reputation in Marathi theatre. He rose to national prominence with Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Parinda (1989), which earned him a National Film Award. He went on to win the National Film Award for Best Actor for his role in Mehul Kumar’s Krantiveer (1994).
Over a career spanning nearly five decades, Patekar delivered acclaimed performances in films such as Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan, and Raajneeti. He also demonstrated remarkable comedic timing in the blockbuster hit Welcome (2007) and its sequel Welcome Back, where his portrayal of gangster Uday Shetty became an enduring cultural icon.
In Marathi cinema, his lead performance in Natsamrat (2016) as a retired stage actor received widespread critical acclaim, alongside his performance in Dr. Prakash Baba Amte – The Real Hero. Patekar also stepped behind the camera as writer and director for the 1991 action drama Prahaar: The Final Attack.
He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2013, held three National Film Awards, and remained deeply committed to public welfare through his charitable initiative, the Naam Foundation.
