Veteran actor Nana Patekar, one of Indian cinema's most celebrated and versatile performers, passed away at the age of 75 in Goa on 8 October 2026, triggering an outpouring of grief from political leaders, fellow artists, and millions of fans across the country. Manipal Hospital, Goa, confirmed that Patekar was found unconscious at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa, and was rushed to the facility, where doctors declared him brought dead.

Political Leaders Express Condolences

Congress Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, in a post on social media platform X in Hindi, described the news as 'extremely heartbreaking.' 'The news of the demise of renowned actor Nana Patekar ji is extremely heartbreaking. Through his acting and characters, he has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema and in the hearts of audiences. At this time of grief, my deepest condolences are with his bereaved family, friends and supporters,' Gandhi wrote.

Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge said he was 'deeply saddened' by the passing. 'His remarkable performances, immense and versatile contribution to Indian cinema, and compassion for farmers and the underprivileged will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers,' Kharge said in a statement.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also conveyed her grief, calling the news 'extremely heartbreaking' and extending condolences to Patekar's family and fans.

A Career Spanning Over Four Decades

Born Vishwanath Patekar on 1 January 1951 in Maharashtra, Nana Patekar built a towering legacy across Hindi and Marathi cinema as well as theatre. He made his Hindi film debut with 'Gaman' in 1978 and rose to national prominence with landmark performances in 'Salaam Bombay!' and 'Parinda'. His power-packed work in films such as 'Krantiveer', 'Agni Sakshi', 'Ab Tak Chhappan', 'Apaharan', and 'Raajneeti' cemented his reputation as one of Bollywood's most intense and compelling screen presences.

He also ventured into direction, making his debut behind the camera with 'Prahaar: The Final Attack' in 1991. His comedic portrayal of Uday Shetty in the 'Welcome' franchise introduced him to an entirely new generation of audiences and became a cultural touchstone in its own right.

Awards and Recognition

Patekar's contribution to Indian arts earned him the Padma Shri in 2013. Over the course of his distinguished career, he won three National Film Awards and numerous other prestigious honours. He was equally celebrated for his work in Marathi cinema, most notably in the acclaimed film 'Natsamrat', which is widely regarded as one of the finest performances in regional Indian cinema.

Legacy Beyond Cinema

Beyond the screen, Patekar was widely known for his deep compassion for farmers and the underprivileged — a dimension of his public life that drew particular mention from Congress President Kharge in his condolence message. Notably, this aspect of his persona distinguished him from many of his contemporaries and earned him broad respect across social and political divides. His passing marks the end of an era for Indian cinema, leaving behind a body of work spanning more than four decades that is unlikely to be easily replicated.