Nana Patekar dies at 75: India mourns the ‘sky of acting’ as tributes pour in

Indian cinema mourned the death of Nana Patekar, the 75-year-old actor who left an indelible mark on the industry. Patekar passed away in Goa on Thursday morning after suffering a cardiac arrest, despite 45 minutes of CPR. His son, Malhar, confirmed his father's death to The Indian Express, stating that he had died of natural causes.

Patekar's death has left many in the industry deeply saddened, with colleagues recalling his unparalleled talent and unique presence both on and off-screen. Actor Riteish Deshmukh expressed his grief, saying that Patekar was "the sky of acting" and lamented that he never had the chance to work with him in a Marathi film. Actor-politician Ravi Kishan remembered Patekar as an artist who stayed apart from stardom, never compromising his roots despite his success.

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma described Patekar as the "GOD of acting" and expressed his shock at the sudden loss. Casting director Mukesh Chhabra simply wrote, "I am just shocked. This is unbelievable." The actor's passing has been mourned not only by his peers but also by leaders across the political spectrum. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari remembered Patekar's dedication to society through his work with the Naam Foundation, which focuses on water conservation and watershed management in rural Maharashtra, as well as his support for families affected by farmer suicides.

Born Vishwanath Patekar, Nana Patekar made his debut in 1978 and built a career spanning over five decades, working in both Hindi and Marathi cinema. His filmography includes critically acclaimed roles in Parinda, Prahaar, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Shakti: The Power, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan, Rajneeti, and Welcome. In Marathi cinema, he was celebrated for his performances in Natsamrat and Ole Aale. The actor's last known film was Subedaar, alongside Anil Kapoor.

A medico-legal case has been registered following Patekar's death, and a post-mortem examination will be conducted.