Madhuri Dixit mourns Nana Patekar, who was set to appear on 'Kon Honar Crorepati'
Synopsis
Nana Patekar was days away from appearing on the grand premiere of Madhuri Dixit's new Marathi game show when he died suddenly in Goa at 75. His passing casts a shadow over 'Kon Honar Crorepati's' launch on 12 October — and underlines the irreplaceable stature of one of Indian cinema's most distinctive voices.
Key Takeaways
Nana Patekar passed away on 8 October at the age of 75 at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa ; doctors at Manipal Hospital, Goa declared him brought dead.
He had been scheduled to appear as a celebrity guest on the premiere episode of 'Kon Honar Crorepati' , hosted by Madhuri Dixit Nene .
Actress Sonali Bendre was also among the confirmed guests for the show's debut.
Madhuri Dixit shared her condolences on Instagram, calling Patekar 'a great artist, a powerful personality and an unforgettable voice.' The show is set to premiere on 12 October on Sony Marathi and Sony LIV .
Madhuri and Nana Patekar last shared screen space in the 1998 film 'Wajood' , directed by N.
Actress Madhuri Dixit Nene paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Nana Patekar, who had been scheduled to appear as a celebrity guest on the grand premiere episode of the Marathi game show 'Kon Honar Crorepati' — hosted by her — before his sudden passing on 8 October 2026. The veteran actor died at the age of 75 in Goa, leaving the film industry in mourning.
Madhuri's Tribute
Sharing her condolences on Instagram, Madhuri wrote: 'A great artist, a powerful personality and an unforgettable voice… With Nana Patekar's passing, the film industry has lost a treasured and legendary actor. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. A heartfelt tribute.' The actress, who shared screen space with Patekar in the 1998 action film 'Wajood', remembered him as a commanding presence both on and off screen.
What Happened to Nana Patekar
According to a statement from Manipal Hospital, Goa, Patekar was found unconscious at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa, and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. His death was confirmed on 8 October, sending shockwaves across the Hindi and Marathi film industries.
Impact on 'Kon Honar Crorepati'
Actress Sonali Bendre and Nana Patekar had both been lined up as celebrity guests for the show's premiere episode, with several prominent Maharashtrian celebrities expected to follow in the coming months. 'Kon Honar Crorepati' is set to air from 12 October on Sony Marathi and Sony LIV. The Marathi game show is modelled on the popular Hindi version 'Kaun Banega Crorepati', hosted by veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan.
Madhuri's New Chapter as Host
This marks a significant transition for Madhuri, who has previously appeared on television reality shows as a judge and special guest. Taking on the hosting mantle of 'Kon Honar Crorepati' represents a new chapter in her television career. Veteran actor Sachin Khedekar had hosted the show for multiple seasons prior to her taking over. The show is billed as a platform where knowledge empowers dreams, with everyday participants given the chance to transform their lives through the pursuit of learning.
Nana Patekar's Legacy
In the 1998 film 'Wajood', directed and produced by N. Chandra, Patekar played a pivotal role in a story centred on love, forced engagement, and a descent into crime. The film remains one of several memorable collaborations from his storied career. Notably, his passing comes at a moment when he was preparing to connect with audiences once more through a beloved format — a reminder of his enduring relevance across generations and across languages.
As the premiere of 'Kon Honar Crorepati' approaches on 12 October, the show's debut will carry the weight of honouring a legend who was meant to be among its first faces on screen.
Point of View
Celebratory format — a game show premiere, not a film set — suggesting he remained deeply engaged with audiences until the very end. The loss also underscores how the Marathi film and entertainment ecosystem is still processing a generation of giants who straddled both industries effortlessly. For 'Kon Honar Crorepati', the premiere now carries an unintended poignancy: Madhuri Dixit's new chapter on Marathi television begins in the shadow of a farewell. Mainstream coverage has focused on the shock of his death; what deserves equal attention is how actively he was still shaping popular culture at 75.
NationPress
9 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Nana Patekar's connection to 'Kon Honar Crorepati'?
Nana Patekar had been confirmed as one of the celebrity guests for the grand premiere episode of 'Kon Honar Crorepati', the Marathi game show hosted by Madhuri Dixit Nene. His sudden death on 8 October meant he never got to appear on the show, which is set to launch on 12 October on Sony Marathi and Sony LIV.
How did Nana Patekar die?
Nana Patekar was found unconscious at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa, and was taken to Manipal Hospital, Goa, where doctors declared him brought dead. His death was confirmed on 8 October; he was 75 years old.
What did Madhuri Dixit say about Nana Patekar's passing?
Madhuri Dixit shared her condolences on Instagram, writing: 'A great artist, a powerful personality and an unforgettable voice… With Nana Patekar's passing, the film industry has lost a treasured and legendary actor.' She also extended her heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
What film did Madhuri Dixit and Nana Patekar appear in together?
Madhuri Dixit and Nana Patekar shared screen space in the 1998 action film 'Wajood', directed and produced by N. Chandra. The film revolved around themes of love, forced engagement, and a descent into crime.
When does 'Kon Honar Crorepati' premiere and who hosts it?
'Kon Honar Crorepati' is set to premiere on 12 October on Sony Marathi and Sony LIV, hosted by Madhuri Dixit Nene. The Marathi game show is the regional counterpart of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati', the Hindi version hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
