PANAJI
Veteran actor Nana Patekar, one of Indian cinema's most powerful and distinctive performers, died after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula in the early hours of Thursday. He was 75. His body after all medical and legal formalities was airlifted from Goa to Pune and the funeral rites were held in his native village of Donje, with full State honours.
The news of Patekar's death, since early Thursday morning, sent shockwaves across the film fraternity and triggered an outpouring of grief from political leaders, artists and admirers across the country. atekar was one of the most recognisable faces of Indian cinema. He had won three National Film Awards and was known for his roles playing difficult and volatile characters. Apart from Bollywood cinema, Patekar has also been a prominent personality in Marathi cinema and theatre as well. According to doctors at Manipal Hospital, Patekar was found unconscious and unresponsive at his residence. His caretaker alerted the hospital, prompting an ambulance team to rush to the actor's home. Senior physician Dr Shekhar Salkar said the medical team found Patekar unconscious on the ground and immediately initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). He was shifted to the hospital while CPR continued.
"He was brought here in about 10 minutes and we continued CPR. But it was like he was brought dead," Salkar said.
Despite frantic efforts to revive him, Patekar was declared dead at 5.20 am. Doctors said the actor suffered a cardiac arrest. While the exact cause remains to be established, hospital authorities said he was a known cardiac patient and was reportedly on medication.
A medico-legal case was subsequently registered and his mortal remains were shifted to the Goa Medical College and Hospital where a post-mortem examination was conducted. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the Goa government extended all necessary assistance to the family.
For Goa, the loss carries a special poignancy. Patekar shared a deep and enduring bond with the State and maintained a residence in Dona Paula. Over the years, he frequently spoke about his affection for Goa's coastline and the peace he found away from the bustle of Mumbai. He often described the State as a place where he could reflect, write and spend quiet moments by the sea. His final days reflected that connection. Just days before his death, Patekar attended an event in Dona Paula where he spoke candidly about life, mortality and his friendship with former Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar.
In another recent appearance, he was seen interacting with local artistes and playing the traditional Samel, celebrating Goa's folk culture.
His death marks the end of an extraordinary career spanning nearly five decades in Hindi and Marathi cinema.
Renowned for his intense screen presence, commanding dialogue delivery and uncompromising performances, Patekar created a unique space for himself in Indian cinema. His National Award-winning performance in Krantiveer remains among the defining portrayals of modern Hindi cinema.
Beyond films, he was admired for his social activism and work through the Naam Foundation, which supported farmers and drought-affected communities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and several leaders paid tribute to the actor, remembering both his artistic brilliance and humanitarian work. NCP chief and former Maharashtra chief minister Sharad Pawar also arrived in Goa after learning of the actor's death.
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is in Goa, also condoled Patekar's passing away. Patekar is survived by his son, Malhar and with his passing, Indian cinema loses not just a celebrated actor, but a rare voice whose intensity, honesty and humanity resonated beyond the screen.
