The Indian film industry is mourning the sudden demise of veteran actor Nana Patekar, whose powerful performances, sharp comic timing and unforgettable characters made him one of the most respected names in Indian cinema. Patekar died in Goa on Thursday after suffering a severe cardiac arrest. His death has left colleagues, friends and generations of film lovers heartbroken, with several major stars taking to social media to remember the actor and the man behind the screen.
Cinema icon Rajinikanth expressed his shock over the loss of his “dear friend” Nana Patekar. Sharing an emotional message on X, Rajinikanth said he could not believe that “Nanaji” was no longer with them. He offered his deepest condolences to Patekar’s family and loved ones and prayed for his soul to rest in peace. The brief but deeply personal tribute reflected the bond the two veteran stars shared beyond their professional lives.
Sanjay Dutt also remembered Nana Patekar as a brother and a close friend, saying the news was still difficult to believe. Dutt recalled the many memories they shared and described Patekar’s passing as a tremendous loss for everyone who knew and loved him. He also highlighted the actor’s contribution to cinema, calling him a remarkable actor, a great artist and a truly special human being. For Dutt, Patekar’s absence will be felt not only by his friends and family but across the entire film industry.
Kamal Haasan paid tribute to Patekar by remembering both his extraordinary artistic talent and his humanity. Calling the news heartbreaking, Haasan described the late actor as a “force of nature” who had a remarkable ability to uplift the people around him. It was a fitting tribute to an actor whose screen presence was often intense and commanding, but whose impact extended well beyond the characters he portrayed.
Hrithik Roshan, meanwhile, remembered Nana Patekar as an inspiration who helped shape his appreciation of cinema while growing up. Roshan praised Patekar’s authentic performances, effortless comic timing and unforgettable characters. He described watching the veteran actor on screen as a masterclass and expressed his condolences to the Patekar family, friends and countless fans who admired his work.
Nana Patekar’s legacy, however, goes far beyond films. Away from the cameras, he was known for his efforts to support farmers in Maharashtra and for his volunteer service during the Kargil War. His work for people facing difficult circumstances revealed a strong sense of responsibility and compassion that was often just as striking as his performances on screen.
According to Dr Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Oncology Department at Manipal Hospital, Patekar had sent a message to a friend at around 2:30 am saying that he was not feeling well. The friend later reached his residence at around 4 am. Patekar was subsequently taken to Manipal Hospital in Goa, where doctors reportedly attempted to revive him for around 45 minutes. Despite their efforts, he could not be saved.
For generations of moviegoers, Nana Patekar was never simply another actor. Whether playing a fierce dramatic character, delivering a memorable line or bringing unexpected humour to a scene, he had a distinctive ability to command attention. His performances carried an unmistakable rawness and honesty, making his characters linger in the minds of audiences long after the credits rolled.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the film fraternity, Nana Patekar’s contribution to Indian cinema is being remembered with immense affection. From Rajinikanth and Sanjay Dutt to Kamal Haasan and Hrithik Roshan, the messages share a common sentiment: Indian cinema has lost a rare artist, while audiences have lost a performer whose work became part of their collective memories. His films may continue to entertain and inspire, but the man behind those unforgettable performances will be deeply missed.