Bollywood Actor Nana Patekar Dies at 75 After Cardiac Arrest

Veteran Indian actor and filmmaker Nana Patekar has died at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Goa.

Patekar was found unconscious at his residence in Dona Paula in the early hours of Thursday, October 8, and was taken to Manipal Hospital. Doctors attempted to revive him for about 45 minutes, but he was declared dead at around 5:20 a.m., according to reports from Indian media and the hospital. His son, Malhar Patekar, also confirmed his death.

Reports said Patekar had contacted a friend during the night to say that he was feeling unwell. His friend later reached the actor’s home and found him in distress. A post-mortem examination was ordered as part of the medical and legal procedure surrounding his death.

Born Vishwanath Patekar in Maharashtra in 1951, the actor built a career spanning nearly five decades across Hindi and Marathi cinema. He began in Marathi theatre before moving into films, making his Hindi film debut in the 1978 movie Gaman.

Patekar became widely recognised for his intense performances and distinctive dialogue delivery. His acclaimed roles included Parinda, Krantiveer and Salaam Bombay!, while he also displayed his comic side in popular films such as Welcome. He worked alongside some of India’s biggest stars, including Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.

His performance in Parinda earned him a National Film Award, while Krantiveer brought him another National Film Award for Best Actor. In total, he won three National Film Awards during his career and was awarded the Padma Shri by the Indian government in 2013 for his contribution to the arts.

Beyond acting, Patekar worked as a director and was involved in social causes. He was associated with the Naam Foundation, which supports farmers and communities affected by rural hardship, and was also known for his association with the armed forces.

Patekar remained active in cinema into his seventies. His more recent work included Vanvaas, O’ Romeo and other film projects, with reports noting that he had continued working shortly before his death.

His death has prompted tributes across India’s film industry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Patekar’s individuality, intensity and versatility, saying his characters would be remembered for generations. Actor Akshay Kumar, who worked with him, also described him as a rare performer whose voice, intensity and authenticity made him stand out.

Patekar is survived by his wife and son. Maharashtra authorities have announced that his last rites will be conducted with full state honours at his farmhouse in Donje near Pune.