The Indian film industry has suffered a major loss with the passing of legendary Bollywood and Marathi actor Nana Patekar. On October 8, 2026, the veteran artist suffered a fatal heart attack in Goa at the age of 75. He experienced severe chest pain in the morning and was immediately rushed to the hospital, where doctors tragically pronounced him dead at 5:20 AM.
Nana Patekar began his remarkable 48-year-long cinematic journey with the 1978 film Gaman. Renowned for his distinct, intense dialogue delivery and versatile acting skills, he starred in numerous iconic movies throughout his career, including Parinda, Tirangaa, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Ab Tak Chhappan, Welcome, Raajneeti, and Natsamrat. His final film appearance was in the 2025 movie Housefull 5.
Over his career, his extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema earned him immense critical acclaim and four prestigious national honors. In 2013, the Government of India conferred upon him the Padma Shri, the nation's fourth-highest civilian award. Additionally, he won three National Film Awards for his powerful performances in Parinda, Krantiveer, and Agni Sakshi.
In his personal life, Nana Patekar married National Award-winning Marathi actress Neelakanti Patekar in 1978. While the two eventually lived separately by mutual consent, they never legally divorced. Nana Patekar is survived by his son, Malhar Patekar, a 56-year-old film director who runs his own production company, Nana Saheb Production House.