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Veteran Actor Nana Patekar Dies at 75
Veteran actor Nana Patekar died at 75 on 8 October after a cardiac arrest in Goa. From his iconic film roles to spending 60 days with Army personnel during the Kargil War!
Nana Patekar Dies at 75: From Cinema to the Kargil War
Veteran actor Nana Patekar died at the age of 75 on 8 October 2026 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa.
He was found unconscious and taken to Manipal Hospital, where doctors tried to revive him for around 45 minutes. He was declared dead at around 5:20 am. His son, Malhar Patekar, confirmed his death. A post-mortem is being conducted as part of the medico-legal procedure.
A Career Spanning Decades
Born Vishwanath Patekar, Nana made his Hindi film debut with Gaman in 1978.
During the 1980s, he appeared in films such as Aaj Ki Awaaz, Ankush, Pratighaat, Andha Yudh, and Salaam Bombay! He later became known for films including Parinda, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Angaar, Tirangaa, and many others.
His powerful performances and distinctive dialogue delivery made him one of the most recognisable actors in Hindi and Marathi cinema.
His Role as a Deaf Father
One of Nana Patekar’s memorable performances was as Joseph, a Deaf father, in Khamoshi: The Musical (1996).
For the role, he learned sign language and worked closely with Sangeeta Gala, a Deaf woman from Mumbai. Patekar also paid close attention to how Deaf people might communicate in everyday situations. While discussing one scene, he questioned director Sanjay Leela Bhansali about how Joseph would realistically react to an event happening behind him.
Natasamrat and Major Awards
His performance in the Marathi film Natasamrat remains one of his most celebrated roles.
During his career, Patekar won three National Film Awards and several other honours. He was also awarded the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to cinema and the arts. He also worked as a writer and director. His directorial debut was Prahaar: The Final Attack, in which he played an Army officer.
Nana Patekar and the Kargil War
Patekar also had a lesser-known connection with the Indian Army.
During the 1999 Kargil War, he received permission from then Defence Minister George Fernandes to join Army personnel. He spent around 60 days with soldiers and became part of a Quick Reaction Team (QRT). He later said that he lost around 20 kg during those two months.
His First Job
Before becoming an actor, Patekar worked as a movie poster painter. He once recalled that he started working at the age of 13, walking around 8 kilometres each day to reach his workplace and earning Rs.35.
His Connection to Manya Surve
Nana Patekar once revealed that Gangster Manya Surve was Nana Patekar’s maternal cousin.
Patekar had spoken about this connection himself and said his mother took the family away from Mumbai so that he and his siblings would not follow the same path. He also famously said that if he had not become an actor, he might have ended up in the underworld.
A Lasting Legacy
Nana Patekar leaves behind a career spanning nearly five decades across Hindi and Marathi cinema.
From intense dramatic roles to comedy, direction, theatre and his association with the Army, he lived a life that went far beyond films. Indian cinema has lost an actor remembered for his powerful performances, distinctive voice and ability to bring complex characters to life.