#SHOWBIZ: Veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar dies at 75

Indian veteran actor Nana Patekar, renowned for his commanding screen presence and unique speaking style, has passed away at the age of 75, his son revealed. The actor suffered a heart attack at his residence in Goa, where he was discovered unconscious and promptly transported to Manipal Hospital. Despite 45 minutes of CPR efforts, doctors were unable to revive him.

The news of his demise has sparked an outpouring of tributes from across the globe. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Patekar's talent and genuine nature, stating that his contribution to art would endure for generations. Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, with whom Patekar collaborated in the comedy Welcome, remembered him as a rare artiste whose powerful voice and passion always enthralled the audience.

Born in Maharashtra in 1951, Patekar launched his career in Marathi and Hindi theatre before transitioning to cinema with his debut film Gaman in 1978. His breakthrough role came in 1989 as the crime boss Anna in Parinda, for which he won his first National Film Award. Throughout a career spanning nearly five decades, he showcased his versatility by playing villainous, tragic, and political characters, earning three National Film Awards for Parinda, Krantiveer, and Agni Sakshi.

While known for his intense roles, Patekar also captivated critics with his nuanced portrayals of vulnerability. His gentle performance as a deaf-mute parent in Khamoshi, his directing of the military drama Prahaar, and his compelling portrayal in the political drama Rajneeti are testaments to his range. Despite his towering success, Patekar remained deeply connected to stage acting, frequently performing in plays like Purush and Hamidabai Chi Kothi.

Patekar was also recognized for his outspoken nature and philanthropic efforts. In 2015, he co-founded the Naam Foundation with actor Makarand Anaspure to address issues of water scarcity and support struggling farmers in Maharashtra. However, his later years were not without controversy. In 2018, actor Tanushree Dutta accused Patekar of sexual harassment following an incident from a decade prior, igniting discussions around India's #MeToo movement. Despite initial denials, Patekar was cleared by the police in 2019 due to insufficient evidence.