Veteran Indian actor and filmmaker Nana Patekar died on Thursday at his residence in the western state of Goa, according to a doctor at the hospital where he was pronounced dead. The cause is reported as a suspected cardiac arrest.
Career Highlights
Born in 1951 in Maharashtra, Patekar built a career that spanned nearly five decades across Hindi‑ and Marathi‑language cinema. He made his film debut in the 1978 Hindi movie Gaman and later earned critical acclaim for performances in Parinda and Krantiveer. While he achieved mainstream popularity in Bollywood, he also contributed to India’s “parallel cinema” movement, which emphasizes realism and social issues.
Patekar’s international profile rose with Mira Nair’s Oscar‑nominated film Salaam Bombay!, introducing his intense, versatile style to a wider audience. Over his career he received three National Film Awards, India’s highest film honors, and was awarded the Padma Shri, one of the nation’s most prestigious civilian decorations.
Controversy and Legacy
In 2018, during India’s #MeToo movement, a Bollywood actress accused Patekar of sexual harassment on a film set. Patekar denied the allegation, and the case remained part of a broader conversation about misconduct in the Indian film industry.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly mourned Patekar’s death, praising his “intensity, individuality and unmistakable presence” as an actor. Modi wrote on X, “He brought remarkable versatility and creativity to every role and gave us characters that will be remembered for generations.”
Family
Patekar is survived by his wife and son. Tributes have poured in from colleagues, fans, and cultural leaders who highlighted his contributions to Indian cinema and his distinctive on‑screen presence.
The film community and audiences worldwide will remember Nana Patekar for his powerful performances, his willingness to tackle complex characters, and his lasting impact on both commercial and art‑house cinema.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
