The death of Padma Shri awardee and veteran actor Nana Patekar on 8 October 2026, aged 75, has sent shockwaves through Bollywood, with leading figures from the film fraternity stepping forward to honour his decades-long contribution to Indian cinema. Actors Manoj Bajpayee, Manisha Koirala, and Divya Dutta were among the first to share heartfelt tributes. According to reports, Patekar was found unconscious at his Goa residence after experiencing intense chest discomfort.

Manoj Bajpayee: 'His journey gave us hope'

Manoj Bajpayee described the news as deeply shocking, saying he was still struggling to accept the loss. For a generation of actors who arrived in Mumbai with little more than ambition, Patekar's rise from modest beginnings to the front ranks of Hindi cinema served as proof that craft and authenticity could carve out a lasting identity.

'Shocking! Still cannot believe Nana Patekar ji is no more. For so many of us who came to Mumbai hoping to find a place in films, his journey gave us hope,' Bajpayee wrote. He added: 'We have lost one of our finest actors. You will be deeply missed, Nana ji. Om Shanti.'

Manisha Koirala: 'A true stalwart of the craft'

Manisha Koirala described Patekar as a remarkable performer whose singular dedication to his work left an enduring mark on Indian cinema. The two had shared the screen in the 1996 psychological thriller Agni Sakshi, directed by Partho Ghosh, and later appeared together in Yugpurush and Khamoshi: The Musical.

'Deeply saddened by the passing of a great actor, a remarkable presence and a true stalwart of the craft. His contribution to cinema and his dedication to his craft will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti,' Koirala said.

Divya Dutta: 'You left us a legacy'

Divya Dutta shared an emotional tribute alongside a throwback photograph with the veteran star, saying she was still unable to process the news. She recalled Patekar's warmth, his sense of humour, and the personal calls he would make after watching her work — gestures of mentorship that clearly left a deep impression.

'Havent really been able to process this news!!! NANA SIRE...this is saddenning!!.. ill always remember your warmth and occassional calls when you saw any of my work!! Or just checking on me! Your humour, your advice..will always ring in my ears and stay in my heart..and sire...thankyou for your cinema!!! You left us a legacy!!! RIP...' she wrote.

A career that defined an era

Nana Patekar was widely regarded as one of the most intense and versatile performers in the history of Hindi cinema. A recipient of the Padma Shri, he brought a distinctive naturalism to roles that ranged from complex antagonists to emotionally layered protagonists. His body of work spanned several decades and cut across mainstream commercial films and critically acclaimed parallel cinema. The tributes from his contemporaries and younger colleagues alike reflect the breadth of his influence across generations of Indian filmmakers and actors.

As condolences continue to pour in from across the industry, the full scale of Patekar's legacy — both on screen and as a mentor to countless artists — is only beginning to come into focus.