Veteran actor Nana Patekar dies at 75 after massive heart attack at his Goa home

Veteran Marathi and Hindi film actor Nana Patekar died on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75. He suffered a severe heart attack at his home in Goa. He was taken to hospital, but could not be saved despite the efforts of doctors. His death has plunged the Indian film industry into mourning.

Patekar's real name was Vishwanath Patekar. He was born on January 1, 1951, in Murud-Janjira in Raigad district. Besides acting, he was known as a writer, director and film producer. In a long career, he gave Hindi and Marathi cinema many memorable characters.

His early life was full of hardship. He began working at the age of 13 and started his journey while battling poverty and difficult circumstances. That struggle later gave an edge to his personality and his acting.

Recalling his early days in a podcast, Patekar had said that his earnings at the time were only Rs 35 a month. Conditions were so hard that often he got to eat only once a day. Even so, these difficulties did not break his spirit.

He entered the world of acting with the 1978 film 'Gaman'. In the beginning he played a variety of roles. Gradually, his style of acting and his way of delivering dialogue began to draw the audience's attention. 'Ankush', released in 1986, brought him wide recognition.

He then proved his strength in films such as 'Parinda', 'Krantiveer', 'Agnisakshi', 'Tiranga', 'Khamoshi' and 'Natsamrat'. His deep voice, delivery of dialogue, angry expressions and complete immersion in a character became his hallmarks.

He won three National Film Awards and four Filmfare Awards. He received both the National Film Award and the Filmfare Award for 'Parinda'. He also won the National Award along with the Filmfare for his performance in 'Krantiveer', and was given a National Award for 'Agnisakshi' as well. In 2013, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri for his contribution to cinema and the arts.

Patekar was not just an actor. He also worked in writing and direction. He took on the responsibility of direction with 'Prahaar: The Final Attack'. His roles in films such as 'Shagird', 'Taxi No. 9211' and 'Ab Tak Chhappan' were especially liked. Whether a police officer, a criminal, a politician or a common man, he played every kind of character effectively on screen.

His bond with the Army was also an important part of his life. He joined the Indian Territorial Army in 1990. To play the role of a Major in 'Prahaar: The Final Attack' better, he trained with the Indian Army. He had said the training lasted a full three years. During this time he also worked with General V. K. Singh.

When the Kargil war began in 1999, Patekar did not just play a patriotic character on screen but decided to work directly with the forces. He stayed away from acting for some time and served in Kargil with the Maratha Light Infantry. In August 1999 he spent more than two weeks in an area near the Line of Control. He was part of a quick response team and also worked for a few days at a base hospital. He had said that in that difficult period his weight fell from 76 kg to 56 kg.

In his personal life, his parents held a very big place. His father is named as Gajanan Patekar and his mother as Nirmala Patekar. His father was a businessman and died when Patekar was just 28. His relationship with his mother remained extremely close afterwards. His mother, Nirmala Patekar, died on January 29, 2019, at the age of 99.

Starting from very difficult circumstances, Patekar built a firm place for himself in the Indian film industry. Despite great wealth and success, his simple lifestyle and down-to-earth nature were always talked about. His journey, which began with earnings of Rs 35, reached the National Award, the Filmfare and the Padma Shri. His powerful screen acting, along with his service in the Army and his contribution at Kargil, meant he was never limited to being just an actor. With his death at 75, the Hindi and Marathi film industry has lost an incomparable artist. His powerful voice, distinctive delivery of dialogue and countless characters will always be remembered by audiences.