Veteran actor Nana Patekar dies at 75 after being found unconscious at Goa home

Veteran actor Nana Patekar has died, and the film industry is in mourning. According to the information available, Patekar, 75, was found unconscious at his home in Goa and was then admitted to hospital. Early information suggests he suffered cardiac arrest.

Patekar made a distinct mark in the Hindi and Marathi film industries with his powerful acting. Before entering films, he had completed his studies in the field of art.

He grew up and went to school in Mumbai, completing his schooling at Samarth Vidyalaya in Dadar West. He then studied at the Bandra School of Arts, now known as the L.S. Raheja School of Art. He was drawn to art from childhood and chose the same path for further studies.

After school, Patekar enrolled at the well-known Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art in Mumbai, where he earned a diploma in commercial arts. This is considered his highest formal educational qualification. His education was thus in art and creative fields rather than an ordinary degree course.

The training in commercial arts showed in his early career. After completing his studies, he worked as a commercial artist and visualiser. He is said to have also painted film posters. This understanding of art continued to influence his acting and the way he played characters on screen.

After his art studies and early jobs, Patekar came first to theatre and then to films. He made his film debut in 1978 with Gaman. Audiences then greatly appreciated his performances in films such as Parinda, Prahaar, Krantiveer, Tiranga, Khamoshi and Ab Tak Chhappan.

Patekar was not limited to Hindi films. He also made his mark in Marathi films and plays. In recent times he was seen in films such as Housefull 5. Although his education was not directly linked to acting, the strong foundation in art played an important role in giving his career a new direction.