Veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar dies at 75
Nana Patekar, one of India's most celebrated actors known for his intense, complex performances, has died aged 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest. Found unconscious at his home in Goa, he was admitted to Manipal Hospital but could not be revived despite 45 minutes of CPR. His death marks a significant loss to Indian cinema and theatre, where he became an iconic figure across both Hindi and Marathi language productions.
Patekar won three National Film Awards during a career spanning nearly five decades, with his breakthrough coming in 1989 with the film Parinda. He began his career in theatre in the 1970s before moving into films, demonstrating remarkable range by playing everything from gangsters and policemen to more sensitive characters. Beyond acting and occasional directorial work, he was known for his activism, particularly advocating for farmers' rights, and co-founded the Naam Foundation in 2015 for farmer welfare and water conservation in Maharashtra.
- Veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar dies of cardiac arrest in Goa, aged 75.
- Three-time National Film Award winner known for intense, complex character portrayals.
- Also prominent theatre figure and activist, particularly for farmers' rights.
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Nana Patekar was one of India's most celebrated actors, known for his intense and complex performances across Hindi and Marathi cinema and theatre. His career spanned nearly five decades, during which he won three National Film Awards and became an iconic figure in Indian cinema.
Patekar's breakthrough came in 1989 with the film Parinda, though he had already established himself in theatre during the 1970s. He demonstrated considerable range as a performer, playing everything from gangsters and policemen to more emotionally nuanced characters that earned him widespread recognition.
Beyond acting, Patekar was an activist and advocate for farmers' rights. He co-founded the Naam Foundation in 2015, which focuses on farmer welfare and water conservation in Maharashtra. His involvement in both cinema and social causes made him a prominent public figure in India.