Harshawardhan Sapkal mourns Nana Patekar's death, calls it a great loss to art and society

Mumbai: Veteran actor Nana Patekar has died. He breathed his last in Goa at the age of 75. He reportedly suffered a heart attack at his home in Dona Paula, Goa. He was rushed to Manipal Hospital, where he died.

Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Harshawardhan Sapkal expressed his condolences after the death. Sapkal said the news was extremely sad and deeply painful. According to him, Patekar will always be remembered as a sensitive person with fine acting skills, social awareness and a touch of humanity. Sapkal also said his passing was a big loss to both art and society.

Sapkal said Patekar had carved out a distinct identity in theatre and films through his powerful acting. He worked in Marathi plays and films and later appeared in Hindi films too. According to Sapkal, the characters he played in the plays "Purush" and "Hamidabaichi Kothi" became immortal. Among his films, his roles in Krantiveer, Parinda, Tirangaa, Welcome, Prahaar, Singhasan, Natsamrat and Deool drew particular attention.

Sapkal said Patekar also did notable work for society alongside acting. Through the Naam Foundation, he gave substantial financial help to farmers in drought-hit areas of Maharashtra and to the families of farmers who died by suicide. He also carried out water conservation work.

In recognition of his work, the Government of India conferred the Padma Shri on him. He also received several film awards. But considering his remarkable journey in acting and his work in society, in Sapkal's words he is truly a "Maharashtra Bhushan".

Harshawardhan Sapkal paid heartfelt tribute to Nana Patekar. He said the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee shares in the grief of the Patekar family.