GOA: Veteran Bollywood actor Nana Patekar has died at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa, bringing an end to a career spanning nearly five decades.
Patekar was found unconscious at his home early Thursday and was rushed to Manipal Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him for around 45 minutes. He was declared dead at about 5:20 a.m., according to hospital officials.
A medico-legal case has been registered, while a post-mortem examination is expected to establish further details surrounding his death. Reuters reported that the hospital confirmed cardiac arrest as the cause of death, although the specific trigger remains unknown.
Born Vishwanath Patekar on Jan. 1, 1951, in Maharashtra, Patekar began his career in Marathi theatre before moving into films. He made his Hindi film debut with Gaman in 1978 and went on to become one of Indian cinema’s most distinctive performers.
His intense screen presence and powerful dialogue delivery earned him acclaim across Hindi and Marathi cinema. His notable films included Parinda, Prahaar, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan, Welcome and Natsamrat.
Patekar was a three-time National Film Award winner and received the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to the arts.
Before establishing himself as an actor, Patekar studied commercial art and worked as a commercial artist. He reportedly painted film posters and took up other jobs before turning to acting as a full-time profession.
Meanwhile, news of his death has prompted tributes from across India’s film industry. His son, Malhar Patekar, confirmed his death, according to Indian media reports.
Patekar is survived by his estranged wife, Neelakanti Patekar, and son Malhar.
