Veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar dies at 75

Veteran actor Nana Patekar, renowned for his powerful performances and versatility, passed away at his residence in Goa on Thursday morning. Sources suggest that he may have suffered a heart attack. Found unconscious at his apartment in Dona Paula near Panaji, he was rushed to a private hospital according to Dr Shekhar Salkar, a senior doctor.

Born Vishwanath Patekar, the actor hailed from a Marathi family in Murud-Janjira, Maharashtra’s Raigad district. After studying at Mumbai’s Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art, he embarked on a career in the arts. Starting with theatre, Patekar made his mark in Hindi cinema. Celebrated for his intense acting and distinctive dialogue delivery, he became one of India’s most versatile actors. He also ventured into directing, writing, and voice acting.

Patekar's film debut came in 1978 with Gaman. He went on to play diverse roles in films like Salaam Bombay!, Parinda, Krantiveer, Angaar, Tirangaa, Ab Tak Chhappan, and Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman. His directorial debut was Prahaar: The Final Attack. He amassed three National Film Awards, four Filmfare Awards, and two Maharashtra State Film Awards for his acting. Additionally, he was honored with a Filmfare Award Marathi.

Beyond acting, Patekar was known for his philanthropic efforts. In 2013, he received the Padma Shri for his contributions to cinema and arts. In 2015, he co-founded the NAAM Foundation with actor Makarand Anaspure to address the agrarian crisis and farmer suicides in Maharashtra. The foundation initially provided financial assistance to affected families and later expanded to areas like water conservation, livelihoods, education, and healthcare. Patekar also contributed to flood-relief efforts in Bihar.

Patekar's career wasn’t without controversies. In 2018, actor Tanushree Dutta accused him of sexual harassment on the sets of Horn ‘Ok’ Pleassss in 2008. Patekar denied the allegations. Though Mumbai Police filed a closure report citing insufficient evidence, a Mumbai court dismissed the case in 2025.