Actor Nana Patekar dies at 75; had kept 12 maund of dry wood aside for his pyre
Patekar, who died on Thursday, had said in a September 2023 interview that he had stored dry firewood for his last journey and wanted no photograph put up.
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Senior actor Nana Patekar died on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the age of 75. Known for carving out a distinct place in Indian cinema, Patekar was called the lion of the stage, a friend of farmers and a brave soldier of the Kargil war. His death has plunged the country into mourning.
A different side of his thinking and his deeply realistic approach to life has now come to light. He had spoken about his own death earlier and had also prepared for his last journey.
In an interview in September 2023, Patekar spoke emotionally but plainly about death and his funeral. He had neither fear nor illusion about death. "I have complete faith in death," he had said. "My last journey will need 12 maund (about 480 kg) of wood, and that is my last possession. I will leave this world with this wood. I have already brought these 12 maund of wood and kept them. It is completely dry, and that is what I should be cremated on."
His reason for not using wet wood at the funeral could surprise anyone. In a humorous but serious tone, he had said, "Do not use wet wood for my pyre at all. Wet wood will give off smoke. That smoke will reach the eyes of my friends gathered there and make them water. Then, as I die, I will needlessly get the misconception that these people are crying for me! At least while dying, I do not want such a misconception."
Speaking of human mortality, Patekar had also offered a valuable piece of advice. "If you die today, no one will remember you after 2 to 4 days. That is why I have told my people not to put up even my photograph after I am gone. Forget me completely, that is what matters."
Patekar had become emotional while speaking of his family. "There were 7 of us siblings in all. But one by one everyone left, and now I am the only one remaining. Parents, brothers and sisters, no one is left. So now I no longer belong to this world; all my own people are waiting for me in the other world," he had said.
Patekar's real name was Vishwanath Patekar. He was born on January 1, 1951, in Murud-Janjira in Maharashtra. He studied at Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai and began his acting career in theatre. He made his screen debut in 1978 with the film Gaman. He went on to leave his mark in many hit films, including Ankush, Pratighaat, Tiranga, Parinda, Krantiveer, Agnisakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan, Raajneeti and Welcome.
Patekar won three National Film Awards: Best Supporting Actor for Parinda, Best Actor for Krantiveer and Best Supporting Actor for Agnisakshi. In 2013, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri. He also directed and wrote Prahaar: The Final Attack. Together with actor Makarand Anaspure, he founded the NAAM Foundation, which continues to work round the clock to help farmers in rural areas.
