Veteran Bollywood actor Nana Patekar died on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the age of 75. The actor, celebrated for his intense performances and unmistakable voice, was found unconscious at his home in Goa early in the morning and could not be revived, news agency ANI and other media reported.
According to the reports, Patekar suffered a cardiac arrest. He was rushed to Manipal Hospital, where doctors tried to revive him for nearly 45 minutes before declaring him dead at 5:20 am. What triggered the cardiac arrest was not immediately clear, the hospital’s oncology chief Dr. Shekhar Salkar told ANI.
Nana Patekar Death: What We Know So Far
Patekar was at his Goa residence when he was found unconscious early Thursday morning. He was taken to Manipal Hospital, where despite sustained resuscitation efforts, doctors were unable to save him. He was declared dead at 5:20 am, according to information shared by the hospital.
The actor’s son, Malhar Patekar, was in Pune when the news broke and has left for Goa, sources said. Patekar is survived by his son and his wife, from whom he was separated.
A Five-Decade Career: From Marathi Theatre to Bollywood Legend
Born Vishwanath Patekar on January 1, 1951, in Maharashtra, Nana Patekar began his career in Marathi theatre before moving to films. His early screen work included the arthouse cinema of the late 1970s and 80s — he debuted with Gaman (1978) and appeared in Mira Nair’s acclaimed Salaam Bombay.
He went on to become one of Hindi cinema’s most distinctive actors, winning three National Film Awards for Parinda, Krantiveer and Agni Sakshi, and receiving the Padma Shri in 2013. Equally commanding in searing dramas like Prahaar and Ab Tak Chhappan and in comedies like Welcome — where his Uday Shetty became a pop-culture icon — Patekar’s Marathi magnum opus Natsamrat is widely regarded as one of the finest performances in Indian cinema.
Beyond the Screen: NAAM Foundation and Work for Farmers
Away from cinema, Patekar devoted himself to social causes, most notably through the NAAM Foundation, which he founded with actor Makarand Anaspure. The foundation works with farmers and villagers in Maharashtra’s drought-prone regions — focusing on water conservation, preventing farmer suicides and supporting the education of farmers’ children.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recalled how Patekar personally came forward to support the state’s Jalyukt Shivar water-conservation campaign, working on the ground in villages. “Whether it was aiding farmers or extending a helping hand during times of drought, Nana always led from the front,” Fadnavis said.
Tributes: PM Modi, Chief Ministers and Co-stars Mourn
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, remembering Patekar as an intense actor of remarkable versatility. “Few actors possessed the intensity, individuality and unmistakable presence that Shri Nana Patekar Ji had… His passing leaves a deep void,” the Prime Minister posted, adding at an event that Patekar “was like a Krantiveer” — dedicated to the country and outspoken against its enemies.
Actor Akshay Kumar, who shared screen space with Patekar in several films, said he was one of those rare actors who never needed to do too much to make viewers sit up and watch — praising “that voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance.” Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and other leaders also expressed grief.
State Funeral in Pune Today at 4 PM
Nana Patekar’s last rites will be performed on Thursday at 4 pm at his home in Donaje village near Pune, with full state honours, officials confirmed. The state funeral marks the farewell of an actor whose voice, fury and honesty defined an era of Indian cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Nana Patekar's age when he died?
He was 75. Born Vishwanath Patekar on January 1, 1951, in Maharashtra, he enjoyed a film career spanning nearly five decades.
When and where will Nana Patekar's funeral take place?
His last rites will be performed on Thursday, October 8, at 4 pm at his home in Donaje village near Pune, with full state honours.
Which major awards did Nana Patekar win?
He won three National Film Awards — for Parinda, Krantiveer and Agni Sakshi — and was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2013.
What was Nana Patekar's NAAM Foundation?
A social organisation he founded with actor Makarand Anaspure to support farmers in drought-prone Maharashtra, working on water conservation, prevention of farmer suicides and education of farmers' children.
