Nana Patekar dead at 75: Hema Malini mourns icon's loss, recalls Naam Foundation work
Synopsis
Nana Patekar — four decades of cinema, a Naam Foundation that reached drought-hit farmers across Maharashtra, and the rare credibility of a star who actually showed up. He died on 8 October 2026 at 75, reportedly after a cardiac arrest in Goa. Hema Malini's tribute underscores what many in the industry quietly knew: Patekar was one of the few who mattered both on screen and off it.
Key Takeaways
Nana Patekar passed away on 8 October 2026 at the age of 75 after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa .
He was rushed to Manipal Hospital , where doctors performed CPR for around 45 minutes but could not revive him.
Hema Malini paid tribute on social media, calling him 'a complete institution of histrionics' and praising his Naam Foundation work for farmers.
Patekar's career spanned more than four decades in Hindi and Marathi cinema, with a reputation for intense, unconventional roles.
The Naam Foundation , co-founded by Patekar, focused on drought relief and farmer welfare across Maharashtra .
Hema Malini and Nana Patekar never shared screen space despite their mutual admiration.
Veteran actress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Hema Malini paid tribute to actor Nana Patekar on 8 October 2026, remembering him as a tireless champion of farmers and the underprivileged through his Naam Foundation. Patekar, one of Hindi and Marathi cinema's most distinctive performers, passed away on the same day at the age of 75 after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa.
Hema Malini's Tribute
Malini shared a heartfelt post on social media honouring Patekar's legacy both on-screen and off. 'Today we have lost an icon of the film industry. Nana Patekar, who has carved a place for himself with his unique acting talent and was hailed as a complete institution of histrionics is no more,' she wrote. She added that he was 'always devoted to the betterment of farmers and the underprivileged' through his Naam Foundation work.
Malini also disclosed a personal connection to the actor's admiration for her. 'I loved watching his films and his unique approach to his roles. He too has mentioned that I was his favourite actress in classic cinema,' she noted. She described him as a 'stalwart' whose absence the film industry would deeply feel. Notably, despite mutual regard, the two never shared screen space during their careers.
Circumstances of His Death
According to reports, Patekar was found unconscious at his Goa residence on 8 October 2026. He was rushed to Manipal Hospital, where doctors reportedly performed continuous CPR for approximately 45 minutes in an effort to revive him. He could not be saved. The exact cause has been cited as a cardiac arrest, though an official medical statement has not been separately confirmed at the time of writing.
A Career Spanning Four Decades
Over a career of more than four decades, Nana Patekar built an unmatched body of work across Hindi and Marathi cinema. Known for an intense, unconventional screen presence, he consistently defied the commercial template of mainstream Bollywood, choosing roles that demanded psychological depth and moral complexity. His performances earned him a rare dual standing — critical acclaim and popular affection.
Legacy Beyond Cinema: The Naam Foundation
Patekar's humanitarian work was as widely recognised as his acting. The Naam Foundation, which he co-founded, focused extensively on drought relief and farmer welfare in Maharashtra, a state that has seen recurring agrarian crises over the past two decades. His on-ground involvement — travelling to villages, personally distributing aid — set him apart from celebrity philanthropy that rarely moves beyond cheques and press calls. This is the dimension of his legacy that Hema Malini and several others have specifically foregrounded in their tributes.
Industry and Public Reaction
Tributes from across the film fraternity began pouring in through the day. Patekar's death marks the loss of a figure who straddled the worlds of art cinema, mainstream entertainment, and social activism with rare credibility. The film industry is expected to observe formal condolences in the coming days.
Point of View
Neither a career philanthropist nor a mere celebrity patron. His Naam Foundation work was distinctive precisely because it was unglamorous and sustained, not episodic. The tributes foregrounding that work, rather than just his films, suggest the industry recognises what is actually rare: a public figure whose off-screen life had as much weight as his filmography. That combination is harder to replace than any single role.
NationPress
8 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Nana Patekar die?
Nana Patekar reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa on 8 October 2026. He was found unconscious and rushed to Manipal Hospital, where doctors performed CPR for approximately 45 minutes before he was declared dead. He was 75 years old.
What is the Naam Foundation that Nana Patekar was associated with?
The Naam Foundation is a humanitarian organisation co-founded by Nana Patekar that focused on drought relief and the welfare of farmers and rural communities in Maharashtra. Patekar was personally involved in ground-level relief work, which earned the Foundation wide recognition beyond celebrity philanthropy.
What did Hema Malini say about Nana Patekar?
Hema Malini described Nana Patekar as 'a complete institution of histrionics' and mourned him as an icon of the film industry. She praised his Naam Foundation work for farmers and the underprivileged, and revealed that he had once said she was his favourite actress in classic cinema.
Did Hema Malini and Nana Patekar ever work together?
No. Despite mutual admiration — Patekar had reportedly called Hema Malini his favourite actress in classic cinema — the two never had the opportunity to share screen space during their respective careers.
What was Nana Patekar's contribution to Indian cinema?
Over more than four decades, Nana Patekar built a body of work spanning Hindi and Marathi cinema, recognised for psychological depth, intensity, and an unconventional screen presence. He was regarded as one of the few actors who achieved both critical acclaim and broad popular affection across multiple decades.
