Nana Patekar Dies at 75: Akshay Kumar, Jr NTR, Ram Gopal Varma and Others Mourn Veteran Actor’s Passing

Veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar is no more. He passed away due to a massive cardiac arrest in Goa today morning. His son Malhar confirmed the news saying that he was discovered in an unresponsive state. They rushed him to Manipal Hospital where he was administered CPR for 45 minutes. However, they failed to revive him. Condolences are pouring in from all over for the actor who was lauded not only for his professional excellence but also work in the grassroot level.

Nana Patekar's long time collaborator Ram Gopal Varma shared a picture of them together. He had worked with some of the biggest filmmakers of the 90s and 2000s.

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Opening up about the late actor, Ravi Kishan wrote, "Even as a star, Nana ji was one of those great artists of Indian cinema who stayed miles away from stardom, identified by his simplicity, naturalness, and personality rooted in the soil. Living amidst the glitz of Mumbai, he never let go of his roots and values."

आज सुबह-सुबह नाना पाटेकर जी के निधन की अत्यंत दुखद खबर सुनकर मन बहुत व्यथित है। स्टार होते हुए भी स्टारडम से कोसों दूर रहने वाले नाना जी भारतीय सिनेमा के उन महान कलाकारों में थे, जिनकी पहचान उनकी सादगी, सहजता और मिट्टी से जुड़े व्यक्तित्व से थी। मुंबई की चकाचौंध में रहते हुए भी उन्होंने अपनी जड़ों और संस्कारों को कभी नहीं छोड़ा। नाना जी से मेरा आत्मीय संबंध रहा। समय-समय पर उनसे बातचीत होती थी। उनके अभिनय, सादगी और जीवन के प्रति उनके दृष्टिकोण से मैंने बहुत कुछ सीखा। वे हमेशा स्नेह और प्रोत्साहन देते थे। उनका जाना मेरे लिए व्यक्तिगत रूप से भी एक बड़ी क्षति है। नाना पाटेकर जी का निधन भारतीय फिल्म जगत के लिए अपूरणीय क्षति है। उनकी कला, सादगी और स्मृतियाँ सदैव हमारे बीच जीवित रहेंगी। ईश्वर दिवंगत आत्मा को अपने श्रीचरणों में स्थान दें और उनके परिवार एवं सभी चाहने वालों को यह अपार दुःख सहने की शक्ति प्रदान करें। ॐ शांति। #NanaPatekar

— Ravi Kishan (@ravikishann) October 8, 2026

Recalling memories from their film "Welcome," Akshay Kumar wrote, "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."

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. I feel fortunate that we got to work together in Welcome, and then again more recently in Housefull 5. There are so many memories from those sets that I’ll always hold close. Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It’s hard to believe you’re gone. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say.

— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) October 8, 2026

Jr. NTR shared, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Nana Patekar sir, one of Indian cinema’s finest actors. There was an unmistakable honesty and intensity in every character he portrayed."

Deeply saddened by the passing of Nana Patekar sir, one of Indian cinema’s finest actors. There was an unmistakable honesty and intensity in every character he portrayed. His performances never felt like acting, but life unfolding on screen. A remarkable artist whose contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered for generations. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti

— Jr NTR (@tarak9999) October 8, 2026

miss you my dear Nana ji .. Will cherish the moments spent..conversations.. arguments.. the food you cooked.. knowledge you shared . thank you for coming into my life’s journey. RIP #NanaPatekar https://t.co/ijbPzxZk6s

— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) October 8, 2026

आज शब्द थिजले आहेत, काळजावर जणू वीज कोसळली आहे.
नाना गेले... या एका वाक्याने मन सुन्न, निःशब्द झाले आहे. तुम्ही अभिनयाचे आकाश होतात, ज्याला तुलनेची सीमा नव्हती.
तुमच्या अनोख्या शैलीने रसिकांच्या हृदयात तुम्ही अढळ घर केले. कधी पडद्यावरचा तेजस्वी नायक, कधी अंगावर शहारे आणणारा खलनायक, तर कधी गंभीर चेहऱ्यामागचा खट्याळ विनोद,
प्रत्येक रंग तुमच्या अभिनयात खुलून आला. पडद्यावर तुम्ही हीरो होतात, पण पडद्यामागे त्याहूनही मोठे.
तुमच्या संस्थेतून वाहत राहिली माणुसकीची निरंतर धारा. 'ब्लफमास्टर' आणि 'हाउसफुल ५' मध्ये तुमच्यासोबत पडदा वाटून घेतला, हे माझे भाग्य.
पण एका मराठी चित्रपटात तुमच्यासोबत काम करणे,
ही अपूर्ण ओढ आयुष्यभर उरी राहील. तुमचे बोल, तुमच्या गप्पा, पाठीवरची ती कौतुकाची थाप,
सोबत केलेले ते खळखळते हसू, ही माझी करी कमाई. कुटुंबीयांना, आप्तेष्टांना आणि लाखो चाहत्यांना
माझी मनःपूर्वक सांत्वना. खरच आज एका युगाचा अस्त झाला आहे. भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली.

— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) October 8, 2026

Dada. That’s what I called him, while the world knew him as Nana Patekar. His calls were as random as they were precious. No formalities, no pleasantries. Just that familiar voice – “Kahan hai re?” We barely ever photographed our moments together. Perhaps because one could never imagine there would come a day when photographs would be all I am left with. I would call him out of the blue, sometimes just to put him on the phone with young talent who admired the legend. And he would oblige, with all the warmth that lay beneath that unmistakably gruff exterior. Today, among the memories I hold closest is one of him cooking for me. No special occasion . Just Dada, being Dada. Our last conversation still echoes in my ears. “Aa re Pune, kadhi yeshil?” Come to Pune, when will you visit? I said, “Soon.” Guess was not soon enough. See you on the other side, Dada.

— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) October 8, 2026

Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary actor Nana Patekar Sir. His powerful performances, remarkable talent and immense contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers. https://t.co/Zfk883bctS

— Prabhudheva (@PDdancing) October 8, 2026

The sudden demise of the actor has left the industry in mourning. He was seen last evening at a cultural evening in Panjim, Goa. He began his career in 1978 in films and won his first National Film Award in 1989 for "Parinda." In the 90s he was a part of great films like "Prahaar," "Agnisakshi " "Khamoshi: The Musical" to name a few. 

Gen-Z audiences know him as Uday Bhai from the "Welcome" franchise. His last memorable outing was "Natsamrat" in 2016. Born as Vishwanath Patekar in Murud-Janjira, he studied in Mumbai. His upcoming films include Aneet Padda's "Shakti Shalini" and Shraddha Kapoor's "Eetha."