Politician and actor Smriti Irani on 8 October 2026 shared a deeply personal tribute to veteran actor Nana Patekar, who passed away the same day at the age of 75 after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. Irani's emotional post, accompanied by a video of Patekar cooking fish fry for her, offered a rare glimpse into the close friendship the two shared beyond the public eye.

A Bond Beyond the Spotlight

Irani revealed that she fondly addressed the legendary actor as 'Dada', even as the world knew him by his screen name. She described their friendship as one built on spontaneity and warmth, far removed from the formalities of the film industry. 'His calls were as random as they were precious. No formalities, no pleasantries. Just that familiar voice — “Kahan hai re?”' she wrote.

She recalled reaching out to him on impulse, sometimes simply to connect young, aspiring talent with the actor they admired. According to Irani, Patekar would always oblige — 'with all the warmth that lay beneath that unmistakably gruff exterior.'

The Memory of Him Cooking

Among the cherished moments Irani described, one stood out: Patekar preparing a fish fry for her with his own hands — not on any special occasion, but as a natural expression of his affection. 'Today, among the memories I hold closest is one of him cooking for me. No special occasion. Just Dada, being Dada,' she wrote. The video she shared captures this warm, unscripted moment between the two.

Their Last Conversation

Irani also disclosed the details of what turned out to be their final exchange. Patekar had asked her when she would visit Pune — '“Aa re Pune, kadhi yeshil?”' — to which she replied, 'Soon.' She ended her tribute with the words: 'Guess was not soon enough. See you on the other side, Dada.'

Circumstances of Nana Patekar's Death

According to doctors at Manipal Hospital, Patekar had complained of discomfort and restlessness in the early hours of 8 October 2026. He reportedly messaged a friend about his condition at around 2:30 am, but as it was late at night, the message went unread for some time. By the time the friend — whose identity has not been revealed — reached Patekar's home, he was found unresponsive. He was rushed to Manipal Hospital, where medical teams continued CPR efforts for nearly 45 minutes. He was declared dead at approximately 5:20 am.

His passing has left the Indian film and political fraternity in shock, with colleagues, co-stars, and public figures expressing grief across the country. Tributes continue to pour in as the nation mourns one of its most distinctive and celebrated actors.