Tukaram Mundhe calls Nana Patekar his closest friend as actor dies at 75 in Goa

Veteran Marathi and Hindi film actor Nana Patekar died on Thursday, October 8, 2026. He was 75. He was found unconscious at his home in Dona Paula, Goa, and was rushed to Manipal Hospital.

Doctors at the hospital tried to save him for about 45 minutes, but the treatment had no effect and he was declared dead. Preliminary information suggests the death was caused by cardiac arrest. A post-mortem will be conducted to establish the exact cause.

Following the actor's death, Tukaram Mundhe, the state's Food and Drug Administration commissioner, shared an emotional post on social media and recalled the time he had spent with Patekar. Mundhe wrote that Patekar was no longer with them. He said he had lost not only an extraordinary artist but also a wonderful human being and his closest friend. He wrote that Patekar's loving nature and warmth had touched everyone's heart.

Mundhe said he had spoken to Patekar only eight days earlier. Patekar's last words in that conversation were, "Love you, Bala". Mundhe said he had no idea it would be their last conversation, and wrote that he would remember those words all his life.

In his post, Mundhe also wrote that some people leave behind only memories, while others leave a part of themselves in our lives forever. He said Patekar was one of the latter. Paying tribute, he wrote, "Goodbye, my friend! I will always miss you. You will always be remembered."

Patekar made a distinct mark as an actor with films such as 'Parinda', 'Krantiveer', 'Tiranga', 'Prahaar', 'Welcome' and 'Natsamrat'. Along with acting, he also did social work for farmers through the Naam Foundation, together with actor Makarand Anaspure. His death has plunged the film industry and the social sector into mourning.