Akshay Kumar mourns Nana Patekar: 'Hard to believe you're gone'
Synopsis
Nana Patekar, one of Hindi and Marathi cinema's most electrifying performers, died suddenly on 8 October at his Goa home, aged 75. Akshay Kumar's deeply personal tribute — recalling their two decades of shared sets from Welcome to Housefull 5 — captures what the industry has lost: an actor whose voice alone could hold an audience.
Key Takeaways
Veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away on 8 October 2026 , aged 75 , at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa .
Manipal Hospital, Goa confirmed he was brought in unconscious and declared brought dead.
Akshay Kumar paid tribute on X, recalling their work together in Welcome (2007) and Housefull 5 .
Nana Patekar's last screen appearance was in Subedaar , directed by Suresh Triveni , where he played Lance Naik Nana Waghmare .
He leaves behind over four decades of work across Hindi and Marathi cinema.
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has paid a heartfelt tribute to veteran actor Nana Patekar, who passed away on Thursday, 8 October 2026, aged 75, at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. Akshay, who shared the screen with Nana in the hit comedies Welcome (2007) and Housefull 5, called him 'truly one of a kind' and said it was 'hard to believe' he was gone.
Akshay's tribute on X
Taking to social media platform X, Akshay shared a still from their 2007 blockbuster Welcome, in which Nana Patekar played the iconic character of Don Uday Shetty. In his post, Akshay wrote: '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.'
He continued: '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.'
How Nana Patekar passed away
According to an official statement from Manipal Hospital, Goa, Nana Patekar was found unconscious at his Dona Paula home and was rushed to the facility. Doctors declared him brought dead. The circumstances of his passing, described as sudden, have shocked the film fraternity.
A career spanning four decades
Nana Patekar leaves behind an extraordinary body of work in both Hindi and Marathi cinema spanning over four decades. Known for his raw intensity and distinct screen presence, he was one of the most respected performers of his generation. His last on-screen appearance was in Subedaar, directed by Suresh Triveni, where he played a special role as Lance Naik Nana Waghmare. The film also featured Anil Kapoor, Radhika Madan, Khushbu Sundar, Saurabh Shukla, Aditya Rawal, Mona Singh, and Faisal Malik.
The loss to Indian cinema
Nana Patekar's death marks the passing of a performer who was virtually impossible to replicate — an actor whose minimalist approach could command a room more effectively than theatrical flourish. His work in films like Welcome introduced him to a new generation of fans who knew him equally for his comic timing as for his dramatic intensity. The outpouring of grief from across the film industry reflects the scale of that legacy.
As tributes continue to pour in from colleagues and fans alike, the Hindi and Marathi film industries are reckoning with a void that will be difficult to fill.
Point of View
Intensity and honesty are the observations of a co-star who watched him work up close. What mainstream coverage may understate is how formative Nana's comic turns in the Welcome franchise were in reshaping his public image for a new generation — a performer who could credibly play both a crime lord and his own absurdist parody.
NationPress
8 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Nana Patekar die?
Nana Patekar was found unconscious at his home in Dona Paula, Goa, on 8 October 2026 and was rushed to Manipal Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. He was 75 years old.
What did Akshay Kumar say about Nana Patekar's death?
Akshay Kumar posted a tribute on X, calling Nana Patekar 'truly one of a kind' and expressing how fortunate he felt to have worked with him in Welcome and Housefull 5. He wrote: 'It's hard to believe you're gone. You will be missed more than words can say.'
Which films did Akshay Kumar and Nana Patekar appear in together?
Akshay Kumar and Nana Patekar shared the screen in the 2007 comedy blockbuster Welcome, where Nana played the iconic Don Uday Shetty, and more recently in Housefull 5.
What was Nana Patekar's last film?
Nana Patekar's last screen appearance was in Subedaar, directed by Suresh Triveni, where he played a special role as Lance Naik Nana Waghmare. The film also starred Anil Kapoor and Radhika Madan.
How long was Nana Patekar's career in cinema?
Nana Patekar had a career spanning over four decades in both Hindi and Marathi cinema, building a legacy of powerful performances that made him one of the most respected actors of his generation.
