Nana Patekar, a highly regarded Indian actor and filmmaker, passed away on Thursday at his residence in the state of Goa at the age of 75. According to reports from the Press Trust of India news agency, Patekar is believed to have died from a cardiac arrest as confirmed by a doctor at the hospital where he was declared deceased.
Born as Vishawanath Patekar in 1951 in Maharashtra, India, he had a successful career in both Hindi and Marathi cinema that spanned almost five decades. Patekar was recognized for his intense acting performances and his portrayals of intricate and non-traditional characters.
His acting journey began in the 1978 Hindi film “Gaman” and he later gained critical acclaim for his roles in “Parinda” and “Krantiveer.” Patekar achieved international fame in 1988 through his role in Mira Nair’s Oscar-nominated film “Salaam Bombay!”
Throughout his career, he was honored with three National Film Awards, the highest film accolades in India, and was bestowed with the Padma Shri, one of the nation’s most prestigious civilian honors.
Following the news of Patekar’s passing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, lauding the actor for his unique acting style and remarkable presence on screen. Modi praised Patekar’s versatility and creativity in portraying characters that will be cherished for generations to come.
Nana Patekar is survived by his wife and son.