Amitabh Bachchan's emotional tribute to Nana Patekar, dead at 75
Synopsis
Amitabh Bachchan broke down on live television to announce the death of Nana Patekar, 75 — his co-star, friend, and one of Indian cinema's most fearless performers. The tribute, delivered on KBC, also shone a light on Patekar's remarkable off-screen life: the prize money he won on KBC, he donated to drought-hit farmers in Maharashtra. A rare convergence of art and conscience, mourned in prime time.
Key Takeaways
Nana Patekar passed away suddenly on the morning of 8 October 2026 at the age of 75 .
Amitabh Bachchan announced the news and paid an emotional tribute live on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) .
Bachchan described Patekar as 'an unparalleled artist, a friend, a well-wisher, and an exceptional social worker.' The two actors had worked together in the film 'Kohram' and shared a longstanding professional bond.
Patekar had previously appeared as a guest on KBC and donated his prize money to drought-affected farmers in Maharashtra .
Bachchan extended condolences on behalf of the entire KBC family , calling the loss deeply personal.
Veteran Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan paid a deeply moving tribute to the late acting legend Nana Patekar on 8 October 2026, following Patekar's sudden passing at the age of 75. The heartfelt address was delivered on the sets of the quiz-based reality show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' (KBC), where Bachchan broke the news to the audience gathered in the studio.
Bachchan's Words on the Loss
Speaking in Hindi, Amitabh Bachchan told the audience: 'Deviyo aur sajjano, Nana Patekar ji ka achanak aaj subah swargwas ho gaya.' Translated, he said: 'Ladies and gentlemen, Nana Patekar ji passed away suddenly this morning. An unparalleled artist, a friend, a well-wisher, and an exceptional social worker is no longer among us. This is not only a monumental loss for the Indian film industry, but also a deeply personal loss for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His sudden departure has left us all stunned.'
Bachchan continued, reflecting on what set Patekar apart: 'His fearlessness, his simplicity, and his courage to call the truth exactly as it was — these qualities made him truly different from everyone else. Some people leave our lives, but their voice, their acts of compassion, and the lessons they have taught us remain within us. Nana was one of those rare people. Nana, I offer you my deepest personal respects. And I salute the art that you lived with complete honesty and devoted wholeheartedly to all of us.'
A Professional Bond and Personal Friendship
The two acting legends had previously shared the screen in the film 'Kohram', forging a warm professional relationship over the years. Bachchan recalled that Patekar had once appeared on the KBC stage as a special guest, describing it as a 'memorable evening that will always remain with us.'
He noted that Patekar's words on that occasion left a lasting impression not just on the show's team but on its viewers. 'His words not only touched and inspired us,' Bachchan said, 'but the noble cause to which he dedicated the prize money he had won was a powerful example of his commitment to social service.'
Nana Patekar's Social Work in Maharashtra
Amitabh Bachchan paid special tribute to Nana Patekar's extraordinary humanitarian efforts in Maharashtra. He highlighted how Patekar had personally reached out to farmers in villages suffering from severe drought and rainfall deficits, offering direct, hands-on assistance. This work, Bachchan noted, was emblematic of Patekar's lifelong commitment to serving those at the margins of society — a dimension of the actor that transcended his celebrated screen presence.
The KBC Family's Tribute
Concluding his address, Bachchan extended condolences on behalf of the entire KBC family, calling Patekar's passing an irreplaceable loss for Indian cinema and for the countless lives he had touched through his social service. The studio fell silent as Bachchan's tribute drew to a close, marking an unprecedented moment of public mourning during a live television broadcast.
The Indian film industry is expected to observe a period of mourning, with tributes continuing to pour in from across the entertainment world and beyond.
Point of View
Rather than through a publicist's statement, speaks to the depth of that bond and to Patekar's unique stature. Indian cinema loses performers regularly, but it rarely loses those whose off-screen identity eclipsed even their on-screen legacy. The tributes that follow should reckon honestly with both: Patekar the actor and Patekar the man who drove to drought-parched villages in Maharashtra when others sent cheques.
NationPress
8 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Nana Patekar pass away?
Nana Patekar passed away suddenly on the morning of 8 October 2026. He was 75 years old at the time of his death.
How did Amitabh Bachchan respond to Nana Patekar's death?
Amitabh Bachchan paid an emotional tribute to Nana Patekar live on the sets of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati,' announcing his passing to the studio audience. He described Patekar as an unparalleled artist, a dear friend, and an exceptional social worker, and offered his deepest personal respects.
What film did Amitabh Bachchan and Nana Patekar work on together?
Amitabh Bachchan and Nana Patekar had worked together on the film 'Kohram.' The two shared a warm professional relationship built over many years in the industry.
What was Nana Patekar known for beyond acting?
Nana Patekar was widely admired for his social work, particularly in drought-affected villages of Maharashtra. He had appeared as a guest on KBC and donated his prize winnings to support farmers suffering from rainfall deficits — an act highlighted by Bachchan in his tribute.
What did Nana Patekar's appearance on KBC involve?
Nana Patekar had appeared on 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' as a special guest. He donated the prize money he won on the show to farmers in Maharashtra who were affected by drought, which Amitabh Bachchan cited as a defining example of Patekar's commitment to social service.
