Actor Nana Patekar dies at 75 after heart attack at his Goa home

Veteran actor Nana Patekar died on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75. He suffered a heart attack at his home in Goa and passed away there. The news has come as a major shock to the entire film industry. His real name was Vishwanath Patekar.

Patekar held a commanding place in cinema for several decades. The artist, rooted in Marathi soil, never indulged in show or pomp. A simple way of living and lofty thinking defined him, and he departed with the same simplicity. That, many will feel, is the sorrow that will remain.

He was born on January 1, 1951, in Murud-Janjira, which was then part of the Bombay Presidency's princely state area and is now in Maharashtra. His circumstances were hard from childhood. Because of poverty, he began working at the age of 13, and in the early days he even painted film posters. Emerging from that difficult phase, he made his name as Nana Patekar.

He studied at the Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art in Mumbai and began working in theatre. Hindi cinema already had a fixed idea of what a hero should be, yet he made a place there through his acting. The Marathi actor also opened the way into Hindi films for many others. He is survived by his wife Neelakanti Patekar and son Malhar.

Patekar began his acting career in 1978 with the film 'Gaman'. Among his best-known films are 'Parinda' (1989), 'Prahaar' (1991), 'Krantiveer' (1994), 'Khamoshi', 'Ab Tak Chhappan' (2004), 'Welcome' (2007) and 'Raajneeti' (2010). His work in these films drew wide attention and cemented his place among leading men.

Early in his career, besides 'Gaman', he worked in 'Maficha Sakshidar' (Marathi, 1986) and then took several small roles in Marathi films. In the British television series 'Lord Mountbatten: The Last Viceroy' (1986), he played Nathuram Godse. His roles were also notable in 'Aaj Ki Awaz' (1984), 'Ankush' (1986), 'Pratighaat' (1987), 'Andha Yudh' (1987), 'Mohre' (1987), 'Trishagni' (1988), 'Aawam' (1987) and 'Sagar Sangam' (1988). His work in 'Andha Yudh' earned him his first Filmfare nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Patekar's dialogue delivery was matchless. He was known for powerful delivery and for playing roles ranging from the serious to the comic. His dialogues also proved a treasure for many mimicry artists. His voice and manner of speaking became his signature.

The year 2007 was a successful one for him. He played several comic roles, and was widely praised in 'Welcome' alongside Anil Kapoor, in which he played a powerful Mumbai gangster who once wanted to become a film actor. He later appeared in Sangeeth Sivan's film 'Ek' (2009).

He won National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards for his acting. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2013. Despite being so big an actor, he always dressed plainly and kept to his work.

Few people know that in 1990 Patekar was commissioned as a captain in the Indian Territorial Army and underwent military training. He also served during the 1999 Kargil war. He retired from the Territorial Army in 2013 as a lieutenant colonel. His name is also linked with the Naam Foundation, which he founded to help drought-hit farmers of Maharashtra and the families of soldiers.