Mumbai/Goa: Tributes for veteran actor Nana Patekar, who passed away in Goa on Thursday, poured in from political leaders and film personalities who remembered his five-decade acting career and social work, agencies reported.
Patkar, 75, succumbed to cardiac arrest at his Dona Paula residence in Goa during the early hours of Thursday.
Hospital sources confirmed that despite 45 minutes of continuous CPR at Manipal Hospital, doctors could not revive him. Dr Shekhar Salkar, Chief of Oncology at the facility, stated a medico-legal case has been registered, with post-mortem proceedings underway at Goa Medical College, Bambolim. His son, Malhar Patekar, confirmed the death and travelled from Pune upon receiving the news.
Great Loss To Indian Cinema: President Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu said his passing was a great loss to Indian cinema, she described Patekar’s performances as deeply evocative, saying he brought a wide range of human experiences to the screen and portrayed characters that left a lasting impression on audiences. She also highlighted his commitment to social service and concern for the underprivileged.
PM Recalls Frank, Fearless Artiste
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Patekar as an actor with “intensity, individuality and unmistakable presence”, saying his versatility and creativity had produced characters that would be remembered for generations.
Modi also highlighted Patekar’s contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema and his reputation for expressing his views frankly and without hesitation.
Tributes Across Party Lines
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who shared a close personal bond with Patekar, termed his passing a major loss to Indian cinema. He recalled the actor’s five-decade career and distinctive performances, saying Patekar had created a unique identity through his work in both Marathi and Hindi films.
Gadkari also highlighted Patekar’s social work through the Naam Foundation, which he established with actor Makarand Anaspure. The organisation has worked on water conservation and supported farmers and families affected by drought and farmer suicides in Maharashtra.
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar similarly recalled Patekar’s contribution to drought-hit communities, saying the actor’s presence during times of crisis gave people confidence. Pawar said Patekar had used his own resources and influence to support people facing hardship, apart from his achievements as an artiste.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Patekar had left an indelible mark on Marathi and Hindi cinema, describing him as an actor who combined a formidable screen presence with sensitivity. He cited performances in films such as “Krantiveer” and “Natsamrat” as examples of the range of his acting.
Fadnavis also recalled Patekar’s involvement in the Jalyukt Shivar campaign and his work with farmers through the Naam Foundation, saying the actor had consistently stepped forward to help communities affected by drought.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah mourned Patekar’s death, describing it as an “irreparable loss” to the world of art. He said the actor had left a lasting impression on audiences over five decades through his natural acting and powerful dialogue delivery.
Shah also recalled Patekar’s work through the Naam Foundation for drought-hit farmer families and his visits to the border to boost the morale of soldiers. He said the actor’s simplicity and straightforwardness had left a deep impression on him.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge remembered Patekar’s contribution to Indian cinema and his compassion for farmers and the underprivileged. Rahul Gandhi said the actor had left an “indelible mark” on Indian cinema and in the hearts of audiences.
AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal described Patekar as a “legendary” artiste who did not merely act but “truly lived” the characters he portrayed. He said Patekar’s classic 1990s films had left a lasting impact on an entire generation and that his distinctive style would remain etched in audiences’ hearts.
Film Fraternity Pays Tribute
Actor Sunny Deol described Patekar as “fearless” and “full of life”, saying the two shared a special bond even though they never worked together. Deol recalled their friendship spanning many years and said he would remember Patekar as someone who always did what he wanted to do.
Actor Mithun Chakraborty said Patekar was one of his closest friends and recalled their bond beyond their work in films. He said Patekar helped many people, adding that his much-discussed quick temper did not define his nature.
Mithun said their friendship went beyond movies and that they got along very well despite their professional association. The two worked together in the 1988 film Sagar Sangam, their only film together.
Actor Riteish Deshmukh hailed Patekar as incomparable in his craft, remembering their work together in “Bluffmaster” and “Housefull 5”. Deshmukh said Patekar’s versatility in moving between intense, menacing, heroic and comic roles made him a rare performer.
Superstar Rajinikanth also paid tribute, calling Patekar a dear friend and expressing disbelief at his sudden passing.
Actor-director Annu Kapoor recalled Patekar’s trust in him early in his directorial career, saying the actor agreed to star in Abhay after reading the script despite being at the peak of his career. Kapoor said Patekar accepted a fee of just Rs 21,000 for the film, far below the Rs 65-70 lakh he was then charging.
Kapoor, who directed Abhay, said he had many personal memories of Patekar that he would never forget and described him as a “fit and full-of-life person”.
