Multiple National Award winner veteran actor Nana Patekar passes away at 75 in Goa

Panaji, Oct 8 (TNT): Veteran actor and filmmaker Nana Patekar, a multiple National Award winner and one of the prominent actors of his generation, passed away in Goa on Thursday following a cardiac arrest, sources said.

He was 75 and is survived by his wife Neelakanti and son Malhar.

Patekar, whose real name was Vishwanath Patekar, reportedly complained of severe chest pain at his residence in the early hours of Thursday. A medical team was rushed to his home after he was found unconscious.

He was subsequently taken to Manipal Hospital in Goa, where he was declared dead at around 5.20 am, sources said.

Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar announced that Patekar would be accorded a state funeral in recognition of his contribution to theatre and cinema.

Tributes from the film industry and beyond began pouring in following the actor’s demise.

Patekar’s funeral will be held on Thursday at his farmhouse on the outskirts of Pune, according to sources.

Born in Murud-Janjira in Maharashtra’s present-day Raigad district, Patekar was an alumnus of the Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art in Mumbai.

He began his acting career in theatre before making his Hindi film debut with Gaman in 1978.

Over a career spanning nearly five decades, Patekar established himself as a prominent actor in Hindi and Marathi cinema, with notable performances in films including Parinda, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan, Welcome, Welcome Back, Raajneeti and Natsamrat.

He also directed Prahaar: The Final Attack in 1991 and appeared in several Marathi films and theatre productions.

Patekar was a recipient of three National Film Awards and four Filmfare Awards, besides Maharashtra State Film Awards.

He was conferred the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to cinema and the arts.

Known for his philanthropic activities, Patekar co-founded the Naam Foundation with Marathi actor Makarand Anaspure to support farmers affected by drought in Maharashtra.