Veteran actor Nana Patekar died at the age of 75 on Thursday, October 8, 2026, after being found unresponsive at his flat in Goa. He had reportedly complained of severe chest pain before a medical team was called to his residence.
According to information shared by his son Malhar Patekar, the actor was found unresponsive when the medical team reached his home. Attempts were made to revive him before he was taken to Manipal Hospital in Goa.
Doctors at the hospital continued resuscitation efforts for around 45 minutes. Nana Patekar was declared dead at 5:20 am.
Since Patekar was not a registered patient at the hospital, the medical team informed the police as part of the required procedure. His body was subsequently taken to Goa Medical College for a post-mortem examination. The final medical cause of death will be established through the post-mortem process.
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Nana Patekar’s Acting Journey
Born Vishwanath Patekar, Nana Patekar studied at Mumbai’s Sir J.J. School of Art before entering theatre and eventually making his mark in Indian cinema.
He made his Hindi film debut with Gaman in 1978. His early career included Hindi and Marathi films such as Aaj Ki Awaaz, Pratighaat, Mohre and Trishagni.
His career gained momentum with Ankush in 1986. However, Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Parinda in 1989 became a major turning point. Patekar played the volatile gangster Anna, earning the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for the performance.
Krantiveer and a String of Acclaimed Performances
The 1990s established Nana Patekar as one of Hindi cinema’s most powerful performers.
He appeared in films including Angaar and Tirangaa, before delivering one of his most celebrated performances in Krantiveer (1994). His portrayal of Pratap Narayan Tilak earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor.
He later won another National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for Agni Sakshi (1996). His work in Khamoshi: The Musical also showed his ability to handle emotionally demanding roles.
Patekar became known for his distinctive voice, intense dialogue delivery and ability to play complicated characters. He could move from a frightening antagonist to a vulnerable protagonist without losing his screen presence.
Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan and Welcome
Patekar remained a major force in Hindi cinema during the 2000s. In Ab Tak Chhappan (2004), he played police officer Sadhu Agashe, a role that became one of his most recognised performances.
He followed it with films such as Apaharan and Raajneeti. But audiences also saw a lighter side of the actor in Welcome (2007).
His portrayal of gangster Uday Shetty became hugely popular and introduced his work to an even wider mainstream audience. He later reprised the character in Welcome Back (2015).
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Natsamrat and Marathi Cinema
Despite his success in Hindi films, Marathi cinema remained an important part of Nana Patekar’s career.
His performance in Natsamrat (2016) was among his most acclaimed later roles. He played a retired theatre actor dealing with ageing, family relationships and personal loss.
The film allowed Patekar to return to the emotional intensity that had defined many of his strongest performances.
Nana Patekar’s Work in Tamil Cinema
Patekar also appeared in Tamil cinema. He featured in Bommalattam and later played an important role in Rajinikanth’s Kaala (2018).
In Kaala, he portrayed Harinath Desai, a political antagonist who comes into conflict with Rajinikanth’s titular character.
Directorial Debut and Social Work
Nana Patekar was also a filmmaker. He made his directorial debut with Prahaar: The Final Attack in 1991, a film inspired by military life and the training of soldiers. He also played the lead role.
Beyond cinema, Patekar was involved in social work. In 2015, he and actor Makarand Anaspure established the Naam Foundation, which works with farmers and communities affected by drought, particularly in Maharashtra.
He was also associated with the Territorial Army and received the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Nana Patekar’s Legacy
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Nana Patekar worked across Hindi and Marathi cinema and also appeared in Tamil films. His filmography included intense dramas, action films, political stories and popular comedies.
His recent work included Vanvaas (2024), Housefull 5 (2025), O’ Romeo and Subedaar in 2026.
Nana Patekar’s death at 75 marks the end of a long and influential career. From Parinda and Krantiveer to Ab Tak Chhappan, Welcome and Natsamrat, he left behind a body of work that reached audiences across generations.
