Veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar, 75, has died suddenly in Goa after a cardiac arrest. He was found unconscious at home and was taken to a nearby hospital, but CPR efforts were unsuccessful.
Patekar’s career began in Marathi theatre, then blossomed on screen with the 1989 hit Parinda, earning him his first National Film Award. He later starred in cult classics like Krantiveer, Tirangaa, and Prahaar, also directing the latter. His razor‑sharp dialogues still echo in cafés and classrooms, and comedians continue to imitate his unique style.
The actor was also known for his outspoken activism, publicly criticizing government policies and supporting farmer rights. In 2015 he co‑founded the Naam Foundation to aid farmers and preserve water resources.
The Maharashtra government announced a state‑honoured funeral at Patekar’s farmhouse in Pune. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X, calling him a “versatile and outspoken” figure who left a “vast void” in arts. Bollywood star Akshay Kumar remembered his intensity and honesty, noting that Patekar’s presence commanded the audience’s attention.
Patekar faced controversy in 2018 over a sexual‑harassment allegation that sparked India’s #MeToo movement. He was cleared in 2019 after police found no evidence. He remains a polarised yet celebrated icon of Indian cinema.
