For decades, Nana Patekar stood apart from the usual Bollywood template. He could play an angry cop, a soldier, a troubled man or a comic character and make each role feel distinctly his own. His voice, pauses and intense screen presence became part of his identity.
On Thursday, 8 October 2026, that five-decade journey came to an end.
Patekar died at the age of 75 after suffering what doctors described as a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. He was taken to Manipal Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him for around 45 minutes.
Here is what we know about his death, his final public appearance, his career and the tributes that followed.
What happened to Nana Patekar?
Patekar was found unconscious at his home in Dona Paula in the early hours of Thursday.
According to Manipal Hospital's Dr. Shekhar Salkar, a friend had received a message from the actor around 3:30 am saying that he was unwell. The friend saw the message around 4 am and went to Patekar's residence. An ambulance was called and treatment began on the way to hospital.
Doctors continued resuscitation efforts for around 45 minutes but could not revive him. He was declared dead at around 5:10 am by the hospital. A medico-legal case was registered and a post-mortem was ordered to establish the exact cause of death.
Reuters also reported that Manipal Hospital confirmed cardiac arrest as the cause, while noting that the specific trigger was not known.
His final public appearance
On 4 October, Patekar attended the installation ceremony of Samraat Club International at Taj Cidade de Goa in Dona Paula. While addressing the gathering, he spoke about death, time and whether he was doing the things he wanted to do in life.
“We all have to go someday. I don't know whether I will be here tomorrow or not. Every person's life will eventually reach that point. But before that happens, I have to ask myself: am I able to do what I want to do?” the actor said in Marathi.
He was speaking about making the most of the time one has. Four days later, on 8 October, Patekar died at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa.
From Marathi theatre to Bollywood
Born Vishwanath Patekar on 1 January 1951 in Murud-Janjira, Maharashtra, Patekar grew up in a Marathi family and began his journey through theatre.
He made his Hindi film debut with Gaman in 1978. His breakthrough came with films such as Salaam Bombay! and Parinda, followed by performances in Tirangaa, Krantiveer, Khamoshi: The Musical, Yeshwant, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan and Rajneeti.
He was not limited to serious roles. His portrayal of Uday Shetty in the Welcome franchise introduced his comic side to a new generation, with his dialogue delivery becoming a frequent source of memes and pop-culture references.
Patekar also directed films. His directorial debut, Prahaar: The Final Attack, released in 1991. For the film, he underwent military training, an experience that also became an important part of his public image.
His final film appearance was in Vishal Bhardwaj's O'Romeo, which also starred Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri. He had also appeared in Housefull 5 in 2025.
Awards, social work and life beyond films
Patekar won three National Film Awards and several other honours. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to cinema and the arts.
Away from films, he was associated with social work, particularly initiatives supporting farmers in Maharashtra. He co-founded the NAAM Foundation with actor Makarand Anaspure, with the organisation working on issues including farmer distress, water conservation and support for rural communities.
His public life also included controversy. In 2018, actor Tanushree Dutta accused him of sexual harassment relating to an incident on the sets of Horn Ok Pleassss. Patekar denied the allegations. An FIR was registered and the matter was later closed for insufficient evidence, according to The New Indian Express.
Who paid tribute to Nana Patekar?
PM Modi remembers his contribution to cinema
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Patekar as an actor with an “unmistakable presence” and praised his versatility and contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema.
Few actors possessed the intensity, individuality and unmistakable presence that Shri Nana Patekar Ji had. He brought remarkable versatility and creativity to every role and gave us characters that will be remembered for generations. He was also admired for his frank and forthright views, never hesitating to express what he believed in. Shri Nana Patekar’s contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema was immense. His passing leaves a deep void. My condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2026
Akshay Kumar remembers his co-star
Akshay Kumar, who worked with Patekar in Welcome and Housefull 5, paid tribute to the actor and remembered his ability to command attention on screen.
Really saddened by the news of Nana ji’s passing. He was one of those rare actors who never needed to do too much to make you sit up and watch. That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance… he was completely his own. I feel fortunate that we got to work together in Welcome, and then again more recently in Housefull 5. There are so many memories from those sets that I’ll always hold close. Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It’s hard to believe you’re gone. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say. 🙏
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) October 8, 2026
Anupam Kher recalls a fellow actor
Anupam Kher also paid tribute to Patekar, remembering his contribution to Indian cinema and the impact he had as an actor.
NANA PATEKAR THE GREATEST?💔💔A couple of hours ago, I received the heartbreaking news that my friend Nana Patekar, one of the finest actors and human beings in Indian cinema, is no more.🥹🥹🥹 I had just finished our performance and taken the curtain call. As I walked into the wings, my director Gajendra told me, “Nana is no more.”🥹 After that, I had to meet people, pose for photographs, smile, sit down for a meal… while trying to absorb what I had just heard. It was terribly difficult. But somewhere, I felt that Nana would have wanted me to finish my work. Fulfil my responsibility to the people who had come to see us. And then, perhaps, remember him. Actually, knowing him, I can almost hear him dismissing the very idea of a tribute: “अरे, तो क्या हो गया? मर गया तो कौन-सी बड़ी बात है? सभी मरते हैं!” That was Nana. Direct, unpretentious, with his own way of saying even the most difficult things.❤️🩹 I will miss you, my friend. Your warmth. Your hugs. Your extraordinary performances. And whenever I miss seeing you, I will watch your films. Though today, I wish I could simply hug you one more time. My love and deepest condolences to your family and to everyone who loved you. अलविदा मेरे दोस्त, नाना पाटेकर। बहुत सारा प्यार। 🙏💔 #NanaPatekar #HeartBreaking
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) October 8, 2026
Riteish Deshmukh pays tribute
Riteish Deshmukh remembered Patekar following his death, joining several actors from the Hindi and Marathi film industries in mourning the loss.
I am shocked beyond words. Feels like a truck has hit me. Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Nana Patekar ji. An actor par excellence, incomparable to anyone, he carved his place in people’s hearts with his own unique style and brand of acting. There wasn’t a role or a character he couldn’t perform. He aced it all — a larger-than-life hero, a terrifying villain or be it his poker-faced comedy. He was a hero off screen too, and worked tirelessly through his charity for the good of the people. I had the privilege of sharing screen space with him in Bluffmaster and Housefull 5, but working with him in a Marathi film will forever remain my unfulfilled desire. My heartfelt and deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and the millions of his well-wishers. Truly, the end of an era. Thank you for your wisdom, your chats with me, the pat on my back, the shared laughter and for enriching me as a person. Rest in glory !!!!
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) October 8, 2026
R Madhavan remembers Prahaar
R Madhavan recalled being deeply moved by Patekar's performance in Prahaar: The Final Attack, one of the films that became an important part of his career.
Kangana Ranaut reacts to his death
Kangana Ranaut said Patekar's death was especially shocking to her because he had appeared fit and healthy during his recent public appearance.
DK Shivakumar and others express condolences
Political and film personalities, including Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, also expressed condolences following Patekar's death.
When and where will Nana Patekar's funeral take place?
The Maharashtra government has announced that Patekar will receive a funeral with full state honours in recognition of his contribution to Marathi theatre and Hindi and Marathi cinema.
Reports said his body would be brought from Goa to Pune and that the final rites are expected to take place at his farmhouse in Donje, near Pune, a place closely associated with his private life and farming.
The exact timing of the funeral has not been officially confirmed.
TL;DR | News At a Glance
Who was Nana Patekar?
Nana Patekar was a veteran Bollywood and Marathi actor, director and Padma Shri awardee known for films such as Krantiveer, Parinda, Welcome and Natsamrat.
When did Nana Patekar die?
Veteran actor Nana Patekar died on 8 October 2026 at the age of 75.
How did Nana Patekar die?
Nana Patekar suffered a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. Doctors tried to revive him for around 45 minutes.
What was Nana Patekar's last public appearance?
Nana Patekar's last public appearance was on 4 October 2026 at a Samraat Club International event in Goa, four days before his death.
What did Nana Patekar say at his last event?
At the Goa event, Nana Patekar spoke about death, time and whether he was able to do the things he wanted to do in life.
What was Nana Patekar's first Hindi film?
Nana Patekar made his Hindi film debut with Gaman in 1978.
What are Nana Patekar's most famous films?
Some of Nana Patekar's best-known films include Parinda, Krantiveer, Tirangaa, Khamoshi: The Musical, Ab Tak Chhappan, Rajneeti, Welcome and Natsamrat.
How many National Film Awards did Nana Patekar win?
Nana Patekar won three National Film Awards during his career.
When did Nana Patekar receive the Padma Shri?
Nana Patekar was awarded the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to the arts.
Where will Nana Patekar's funeral take place?
Nana Patekar's last rites are expected to take place at his farmhouse in Donje near Pune, with full state honours.
