Veteran actor Nana Patekar’s death at the age of 75 has left the Indian film industry mourning the loss of one of its most respected performers. Nana Patekar passed away in Goa on October 8, 2026, following a cardiac arrest. News of his demise prompted tributes from prominent names across Bollywood and the South Indian film industries.
Superstar Rajinikanth, Jr NTR, Vishal, Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Manoj Bajpayee, Riteish Deshmukh, Prakash Raj, Suniel Shetty and several other celebrities remembered the veteran actor and his contribution to Indian cinema.
Nana Patekar Dies at 75
Nana Patekar reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. He was found unconscious and taken to Manipal Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him. He was declared dead in the early hours of Thursday.
His son Malhar Patekar confirmed the news of his father’s passing.
Nana’s death marks the end of an extraordinary career spanning several decades. He worked extensively in Hindi and Marathi cinema and was known for his powerful performances, distinctive voice and ability to portray both serious and comic characters.
Rajinikanth Mourns Nana Patekar
Rajinikanth was among the prominent stars who paid tribute to Nana Patekar following his death.
The two actors shared the screen in the 2018 Tamil film Kaala, in which Nana played the antagonist Hari Dada opposite Rajinikanth.
Remembering his co-star and friend, Rajinikanth expressed his grief over Nana’s passing and offered condolences to his family.
Their collaboration in Kaala brought together two celebrated actors from different generations and film industries. Nana’s performance as Hari Dada remains one of his notable appearances in Tamil cinema.
Jr NTR Pays Tribute to Nana Patekar
Telugu superstar Jr NTR also mourned the death of Nana Patekar.
Jr NTR remembered Nana as a remarkable performer and praised the intensity and honesty he brought to his characters.
The tribute highlighted Nana’s influence beyond Bollywood. His work had earned admiration from actors and filmmakers across India’s regional film industries.
Vishal Remembers the Veteran Actor
Tamil actor Vishal was also among those who expressed grief over Nana Patekar’s passing.
Vishal remembered the veteran actor and acknowledged his immense contribution to Indian cinema. Nana had established himself as a performer whose work transcended language barriers.
Tributes from actors such as Vishal further demonstrated the reach of Nana Patekar’s career across the Indian film industry.
Akshay Kumar Remembers His Welcome Co-Star
Akshay Kumar also paid tribute to Nana Patekar, with whom he shared the screen in the popular Welcome franchise.
Nana’s portrayal of Uday Shetty became one of his most recognisable comic performances. The character showcased a completely different side of an actor who was otherwise widely associated with intense dramatic roles.
Akshay and Nana also appeared together in Housefull 5, giving the two actors another opportunity to work together later in Nana’s career.
Paresh Rawal Pays Tribute
Paresh Rawal, Nana’s co-star from Welcome, also expressed his grief following the veteran actor’s death.
The two actors’ performances in Welcome remain popular among Bollywood audiences. Their comic timing and memorable characters helped make the film a cult favourite.
Rawal remembered Nana with affection and respect, highlighting the loss of a distinctive personality and performer.
Manoj Bajpayee Remembers Nana’s Contribution
Actor Manoj Bajpayee also paid tribute to Nana Patekar.
Bajpayee has previously spoken about the influence of senior actors on performers who came to Mumbai hoping to build careers in cinema.
Nana’s career was particularly significant for actors because he established himself through character-driven performances rather than relying solely on conventional leading roles.
His journey from theatre to mainstream cinema became an example of how a performer could build a lasting identity through craft and individuality.
Riteish Deshmukh Calls It the End of an Era
Riteish Deshmukh also mourned Nana Patekar’s passing.
The two actors worked together in films including Bluffmaster! and Housefull 5. Riteish remembered Nana not only as a gifted actor but also as someone whose experience and guidance could have a lasting impact on younger performers.
Nana’s connection with Marathi cinema was also important to Riteish, who has frequently spoken about his love for Marathi films and theatre.
Prakash Raj Remembers Nana
South Indian actor Prakash Raj paid tribute to Nana Patekar as well.
The two actors shared a strong professional and personal connection. Prakash Raj remembered conversations and experiences with Nana, describing the veteran performer as someone who left a lasting impression.
Both actors were known for their ability to portray complex characters with intensity and realism, making their association particularly meaningful to audiences.
Suniel Shetty Pays Tribute
Suniel Shetty also expressed his condolences following Nana Patekar’s death.
Shetty remembered Nana as a performer with a distinctive personality and an uncompromising approach to his craft.
Over the years, Nana had earned admiration from several generations of actors because of his commitment to character and performance.
Nana Patekar’s Illustrious Film Career
Born Vishwanath Patekar, Nana began his Hindi film journey with Gaman in 1978.
He went on to become one of the most recognisable character actors in Indian cinema. His filmography includes Parinda, Prahaar, Krantiveer, Tirangaa, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Ab Tak Chhappan and Welcome.
Nana’s performances were often marked by emotional intensity and a distinctive dialogue delivery.
He successfully moved between serious dramas, action films and comedy, demonstrating a range that few performers could match.
Nana Patekar’s National Awards and Padma Shri
Nana Patekar received major recognition for his contribution to Indian cinema.
He won National Film Awards for his performances and was also honoured with the Padma Shri.
His work in Krantiveer remains particularly significant, while Parinda established him as one of the industry’s most powerful dramatic performers.
At the same time, his role as Uday Shetty in Welcome introduced his comic side to a much wider audience.
Nana Patekar’s Connection With Marathi Cinema
Although Nana became a major Bollywood star, Marathi theatre and cinema remained an important part of his artistic identity.
He began his career through theatre and continued to maintain a connection with Marathi culture and cinema throughout his life.
His career demonstrated the strong influence of theatre on Indian acting, particularly in the way he used dialogue, body language and emotional restraint to create memorable characters.
Why Nana Patekar Was Different
Nana Patekar never fit neatly into one category.
He could play a serious police officer, an emotionally troubled character, a ruthless antagonist or a comic gangster with equal conviction.
His voice and dialogue delivery became instantly recognisable, while his performances often carried a raw quality that made his characters memorable.
Unlike conventional Bollywood stars, Nana frequently allowed the character to take centre stage rather than focusing on glamour or traditional heroism.
Celebrities Across India Mourn Nana Patekar
The tributes following Nana Patekar’s death have come from several corners of Indian cinema.
Rajinikanth remembered his Kaala co-star, Jr NTR praised his acting legacy, while Vishal and Prakash Raj represented the strong response from the South Indian film industry.
Bollywood actors including Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Manoj Bajpayee, Riteish Deshmukh and Suniel Shetty also remembered the veteran actor.
The wide-ranging tributes underline how Nana’s work crossed regional and linguistic boundaries.
Nana Patekar’s Legacy
Nana Patekar leaves behind a body of work that spans nearly five decades.
For audiences, he will be remembered for unforgettable characters, powerful dialogues and performances that often blurred the line between acting and lived emotion.
From Parinda and Krantiveer to Ab Tak Chhappan and Welcome, his filmography reflects his ability to move between dramatically different genres.
His influence also extends to actors who admired his commitment to theatre, realism and character-driven storytelling.
What are Nana Patekar’s most famous films?
Some of his best-known films include Parinda, Krantiveer, Prahaar, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Ab Tak Chhappan and Welcome.
Nana Patekar’s passing marks the loss of one of Indian cinema’s most distinctive performers. His work across Hindi, Marathi and Tamil cinema created a legacy that continues to resonate with audiences and fellow actors. The tributes from Rajinikanth, Jr NTR, Vishal and numerous other stars reflect the lasting impact of a performer whose career crossed generations, languages and genres.
