Beyond the silver screen: PM Modi, CMs, ministers and co-stars remember the legend that was Nana Patekar – who said what

From PM, CMs, ministers to co-actors, tributes recall Nana Patekar’s film career, social work and lasting impact on audiences.

New Delhi: Nana Patekar’s death at 75 has led to tributes from political leaders, actors and colleagues across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the veteran performer for his intensity, individuality and distinctive presence in Hindi and Marathi cinema.

Patekar died at 5.20 am on Thursday (October 8) after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa. Dr Shekhar Salkar, chief of the Department of Oncology at the Manipal Hospital, told ANI that CPR was administered for 45 minutes and that the actor was in asystole throughout the resuscitation attempt.

A medico-legal case has been completed and a post-mortem examination will be conducted to eastablish the exact reason behind his death.

‘Few possessed his intensity’

In a post on X, PM Modi described him as an actor who brought versatility and creativity to every role. He also recalled the frankness with which the actor expressed his views.

“Few actors possessed the intensity, individuality and unmistakable presence that Shri Nana Patekar Ji had. He brought remarkable versatility and creativity to every role and gave us characters that will be remembered for generations. He was also admired for his frank and forthright views, never hesitating to express what he believed in,” the prime minister said.

He also praised Patekar’s contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema.

“Shri Nana Patekar’s contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema was immense. His passing leaves a deep void. My condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers. Om Shanti,” he posted.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recalled Patekar’s contribution to both Marathi and Hindi cinema and his work outside films. He described the actor’s death as a “massive shock to the heart” and remembered their close friendship.

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The chief minister said the actor had “gifted an entire era to Marathi and Hindi cinema”. He also recalled the his image as a patriot and his performances in films such as Krantiveer and Natsamrat.

“From Krantiveer to Natsamrat, the powerful and masterful tapestry of acting he wove in his journey has no equal. Thus, his departure as an actor is a profound loss,” Fadnavis wrote on X.

He also recalled Patekar’s work through the Naam Foundation, which the actor established with Makarand Anaspure. The organisation worked in rural areas on water conservation and watershed management. The chief minister said the actor supported farmers and families affected by drought.

Leaders recall his social work

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described Patekar’s death as an “irreplaceable loss” to the world of art. He remembered him as a performer, theatre artist and social worker.

“The demise of the renowned actor, powerful theatre artist and sensitive social worker, Padma Shri Nana Patekar ji, is an irreplaceable loss to the world of art,” he said.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also remembered the actor’s powerful performances and dialogue delivery.

Odisha’s former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik recalled the actor’s distinctive dialogue delivery and his ability to portray complex characters.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said Patekar had been part of the lives of cinema audiences for more than five decades.

“Through his powerful acting, Nana Patekar dominated the hearts of discerning audiences for over five decades via Marathi and Hindi cinema. With his distinctive style of dialogue delivery, he immortalised many characters in films and created his unique identity. His departure is a great loss to the Indian film industry,” he said.

The minister also recalled the actor’s work through the Naam Foundation, particularly its efforts in water conservation and watershed management. He said the Patekar had helped families of farmers who died by suicide.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar remembered Patekar’s work in theatre and cinema and his association with social causes. She also recalled the actor’s relationship with the Pawar family.

“Nana shared a very close, affectionate and warm bond with respected Ajit Dada. He always stood by our family through every moment of happiness and sorrow. Therefore, the void created by his passing is deeply personal and particularly painful for me and my entire family,” she said.

Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar said he had spoken to Patekar just two days before his death about an event. According to him, the actor told him that he was in Goa for a film shoot and would attend the programme afterwards.

Shelar also recalled Patekar’s work for farmers, soldiers, police personnel and young people facing drug addiction. He said the Maharashtra government would announce details for the public to pay their last respects, the funeral procession and the last rites.

Co-stars remember a five-decade career

Patekar’s death also brought emotional reactions from actors who had worked with him.

Riteish Deshmukh, who shared screen space with him in Bluffmaster! and Housefull 5, said he was “shocked beyond words”. He remembered his co-actor’s ability to handle serious, villainous and comic roles and described him as a “hero off screen” for his charitable work.

Akshay Kumar, who worked with Patekar in Welcome and Housefull 5, remembered his voice, intensity and honesty in performances.

“Really saddened by the news of Nana ji’s passing. He was one of those rare actors who never needed to do too much to make you sit up and watch. That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance… he was completely his own,” he wrote on X.

Actor Adil Hussain also mourned Patekar’s death, saying his work had inspired many people, including himself.

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Patekar began his film career with 'Gaman' in 1978. His performances in 'Parinda', 'Prahar', 'Angaar', 'Krantiveer', 'Tiranga', 'Khamoshi: The Musical' and 'Ab Tak Chhappan' established him as one of the most recognisable performers in Hindi and Marathi cinema.

He won three National Film Awards during his career and received the Padma Shri in 2013. His popular roles also included Uday Shetty in 'Welcome', a character that introduced his work to another generation of filmgoers.

Patekar continued working in films in his seventies. He appeared in 'Housefull 5', which starred Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan and Riteish Deshmukh. He also played a police officer in Vishal Bhardwaj’s 'O’Romeo', featuring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri and had a cameo in 'Subedar', starring Anil Kapoor and Radhika Madan.

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