Nana Patekar, a renowned Indian actor and filmmaker, passed away on Thursday at his residence in the state of Goa at the age of 75. The cause of death is believed to be a cardiac arrest, as reported by the Press Trust of India, quoting a doctor from the hospital where he was declared deceased.
Born as Vishwanath Patekar in 1951 in Maharashtra, India, he had a successful career in both Hindi and Marathi cinema that spanned nearly five decades. Patekar was recognized for his powerful performances, often portraying intricate and unconventional characters.
His journey in films began with the 1978 Hindi movie “Gaman,” and he later gained accolades for his work in “Parinda” and “Krantiveer.” In 1988, he achieved international acclaim through his role in Mira Nair’s Oscar-nominated film “Salaam Bombay!”
Throughout his career, Patekar received three National Film Awards, the highest film honors in India, and was honored with the Padma Shri, one of the nation’s most prestigious civilian awards.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over Patekar’s demise, lauding his exceptional acting abilities and unique on-screen presence. Modi acknowledged Patekar’s versatility and creativity in portraying characters that will be cherished for generations to come.
Nana Patekar is survived by his wife and a son.