Bollywood actor Nana Patekar dies at 75

Mumbai witnessed the passing of veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar at the age of 75 on Thursday, according to local media accounts. Found unconscious at his residence in Goa early Thursday morning, Patekar was promptly rushed to Manipal Hospital where doctors were unable to revive him. The chief of the oncology department, Shekhar Salkar, confirmed the cause of death as cardiac arrest, though the triggering event remains unclear.

Born as Vishawanath Patekar, Patekar, fondly known as Nana, embarked his journey in theatre in Marathi, the language spoken in his home state of Maharashtra, which also houses Bollywood. Patekar graced the silver screen with his presence in several arthouse Indian movies during the 1970s and 80s, including the acclaimed "Salaam Bombay" by Mira Nair, before transitioning to mainstream Bollywood.

He showcased a versatile range of characters, sharing the screen with industry stalwarts such as Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, and excelled in both serious and comic roles. His performances, characterized by a distinct brand of aggression and forceful dialogue, earned him accolades in the form of national and regional film awards.

Actor Akshay Kumar, a former collaborator of Patekar in various films, lauded Patekar, stating that he was an actor who never needed to exert himself to captivate audiences. His unique voice, intensity, and authenticity in every performance were a testament to his individuality. Patekar is survived by his estranged wife and a son.