Akshay Kumar mourns Nana Patekar, recalls ‘one of a kind’ Welcome co-star: 'That voice, that intensity...'

Akshay Kumar mourned the passing of his Welcome co-star Nana Patekar on Thursday, describing the late actor as a rare performer who never needed to exert himself to capture attention in a scene. Patekar died at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa.

In a heartfelt message on X, Kumar said that he was deeply saddened by the news and that Patekar was “one of those rare performers who never needed to do too much to make you sit up and watch.” He recalled working with Patekar twice, in Anees Bazmee’s 2007 comedy Welcome and more recently in Housefull 5, and expressed his gratitude for the memories they created together.

Kumar added, “Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It’s hard to believe you’re gone. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say.”

The two actors first partnered in Welcome, a film where Patekar’s deadpan turn as gangster Uday Shetty stood in contrast to their more intense roles in earlier works. This unlikely pairing proved to be one of the most enduring in Hindi comedy, with the duo’s scenes and dialogues remaining popular among audiences for nearly two decades. The pair reunited again in Housefull 5.

Tributes poured in from across the film industry and public life, including from Riteish Deshmukh, Ravi Kishan, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Gadkari remembered Patekar’s contributions to water conservation through the Naam Foundation. Patekar made his debut in 1978 and received the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Parinda.

His filmography spanned five decades, including notable works like Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Apaharan, Rajneeti, and Natsamrat.