GOA: Veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar died of an acute heart attack caused by a blood clot blocking a major coronary artery, according to postmortem findings reported by the Press Trust of India (PTI).
Patekar, 75, died at his residence in Goa on October 8, 2026. Doctors at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) attributed his death to acute myocardial infarction resulting from a blood clot in the left main coronary artery, which supplies blood to a substantial portion of the heart.
The findings linked the clot to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, a condition in which plaque builds up inside the arteries and restricts blood flow. Doctors classified the death as natural, according to the reports.
Actor Reportedly Fell Ill During Early Hours
Patekar reportedly began feeling unwell during the early hours of October 8. According to details attributed to a doctor in reports by ANI, the actor messaged a friend at around 2:30 a.m. to say he was not feeling well.
The friend reportedly did not see the message immediately. After subsequently contacting Patekar, the friend reached his residence at around 4 a.m. and found him sweating and becoming increasingly unconscious, according to the reports.
He was then taken to a private hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him, including through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). However, the efforts proved unsuccessful, and medical staff declared him dead at approximately 5:10 a.m., the reports said.
Why Police Opened an Inquiry
Goa Police registered an unnatural-death case after Patekar was brought to hospital and declared dead. The case was registered under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which provides for police inquiries into certain deaths.
Such a registration is a procedural step and does not, by itself, indicate foul play. Authorities sent the actor’s body to Goa Medical College for a postmortem examination to establish the cause of death.
The reported findings subsequently attributed his death to a heart attack associated with coronary artery disease and classified it as natural.
Funeral Held in Pune District
Following the postmortem examination, Patekar’s remains were reportedly transported to Pune district, where his son, Malhar Patekar, received the body.
The family took the remains to its farmhouse in Donje village, where the actor was cremated with full state honours on October 8, according to published reports.
Family members, friends and public figures reportedly gathered to pay their final respects.
A Career Spanning Hindi and Marathi Cinema
Born Vishwanath Patekar, the actor began his film career with Gaman in 1978 and went on to establish himself as a prominent figure in Hindi and Marathi cinema.
Known for his intense performances and distinctive screen presence, he appeared in a wide range of films, including Ankush, Parinda, Tirangaa, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan and Raajneeti.
His work earned him three National Film Awards. In 2013, the Indian government awarded him the Padma Shri for his contribution to the arts.
Beyond cinema, Patekar supported social initiatives, including the Naam Foundation, which he was associated with alongside fellow actor Makarand Anaspure. The organisation has worked to support farmers and communities affected by drought.
His career spanned several decades, encompassing acclaimed performances in socially conscious dramas, crime films and mainstream productions.
According to the reported postmortem findings, a blood clot obstructing the left main coronary artery caused the heart attack that led to Patekar’s death. Doctors classified the death as natural.
