Indian cinema woke up to heartbreaking news on Thursday morning as veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away at the age of 75.
The legendary actor suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at his Goa residence during the early hours of the day.
Known for his staggering versatility, raw intensity, and unmatched dialogue delivery, Patekar carved a unique niche for himself across both Hindi and regional cinema.
From intense anti-heroes and larger-than-life characters to poker-faced comedy and terrifying villains, he transitioned effortlessly across genres throughout a career spanning decades. Beyond the silver screen, he was widely admired as a hero in real life, championing social causes and working tirelessly through his charity initiatives.
Tributes Pour in From South and Bollywood
The sudden passing of the veteran actor sent shockwaves across the film industry, prompting an immediate outpouring of grief from prominent actors and public figures.
Taking to social media, megastar Rajinikanth, who shared screen space with him in Kaala, penned an emotional note:
I can’t believe my dear friend Nanaji is no longer with us. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) October 8, 2026
Telugu star Jr NTR highlighted the actor’s profound impact on screen, writing,
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
Mourning the loss of veteran actor Nana Patekar on Instagram, Ravi Kishan wrote that he was heartbroken by the news. He praised the late actor for remaining humble, spontaneous, and deeply connected to his roots, noting that despite his immense stardom and life in Mumbai, he never lost touch with his core values and simplicity.
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Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh and Akshay Kumar expressed profound shock on X, noting,
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
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
Colleagues like Prakash Raj and Kajal Aggarwal also shared fond memories and grief online, with Prakash Raj posting a picture alongside the late actor to commemorate their enduring bond.
💔💔💔 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
Heartfelt condolences to Nana Sir’s family, loved ones and countless fans. His presence, talent and legacy will forever remain etched in our hearts. 🙏🏻
Om Shanti. 🕊️ #nanapatekar
— Kajal Aggarwal (@MsKajalAggarwal) October 8, 2026
As fans and contemporaries mourn the loss of an institution in Indian cinema, Nana Patekar’s monumental body of work and contributions to society will continue to resonate for generations to come.
