Mumbai, Oct 8: Veteran actor Nana Patekar, whose intense performances and distinctive dialogue delivery made him one of Indian cinema’s recognised performers, died in Goa on Thursday at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was found unconscious at his residence in Dona Paula and was taken to Manipal Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Born Vishwanath Patekar on January 1, 1951, in Maharashtra, Patekar built a career spanning more than four decades across Hindi and Marathi cinema, theatre and filmmaking. He made his Hindi film debut with Gaman in 1978 and subsequently established himself through roles marked by intensity and unconventional characterisation.
His breakthrough came with films including Salaam Bombay! and Parinda. His subsequent work included Angaar, Tirangaa, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Yeshwant, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan and Raajneeti.
Patekar also maintained a significant presence in Marathi cinema and theatre. He entered filmmaking as a director with Prahaar: The Final Attack in 1991. His comic portrayal of Uday Shetty in the Welcome franchise later became particularly popular with younger audiences.
His other notable films included Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Wajood, Hu Tu Tu, Gang, Deewangee, Bhoot, Welcome, Welcome Back, Natsamrat and The Vaccine War.
Patekar received the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to cinema and the arts. During his career, he won three National Film Awards and received several other honours.
Away from the screen, he was associated with social causes, including efforts to support farmers and families affected by agrarian distress. Despite his prominence in the film industry, he maintained a relatively private life.
His death closes a four-decade chapter in Indian cinema that encompassed acting, theatre and filmmaking across Hindi and Marathi-language productions.
