Nana Patekar death: Allu Arjun, Mohanlal, Jr NTR lead tributes
Synopsis
The death of Nana Patekar on 8 October brought an outpouring of grief from across Indian cinema, with South film industry titans Allu Arjun, Mohanlal, Jr NTR, and Rishab Shetty among the first to pay tribute. What made the condolences stand out was a shared acknowledgement of something beyond his roles — his work through the Naam Foundation for farmers and rural communities, cementing his place as one of Indian cinema's most complete figures.
Key Takeaways
Nana Patekar passed away on 8 October 2026 after a cardiac arrest; he was found unconscious at his Goa home and declared brought dead at hospital.
Allu Arjun called him a 'Path Breaking Artist' and 'one of the most unique gems of Indian cinema.' Mohanlal said Patekar brought 'rare intensity, depth and honesty' to every role, leaving 'an indelible mark for generations.' Jr NTR described his performances as 'life unfolding on screen,' offering condolences to the family.
Rishab Shetty highlighted Patekar's humanitarian work through the Naam Foundation for farmers and rural communities.
Rajinikanth , Kamal Haasan , Pawan Kalyan , Chiranjeevi , and Nani also mourned his passing.
Veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away on 8 October 2026 after suffering a cardiac arrest, leaving the Indian film fraternity in mourning. He was found unconscious at his residence in Goa and was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. Tributes from across the film industry poured in swiftly, with several of the biggest names from South Indian cinema leading the condolences.
South Cinema Giants Pay Homage
Allu Arjun, star of the blockbuster Pushpa franchise, remembered Patekar as a one-of-a-kind artist. In his tribute, Arjun wrote: 'Path Breaking Artist… Inspirational Actor… Rooted Rustic Performer! Energetic and Poetic at the same time. One of the most unique gems of Indian cinema. Will always be observed, inspire and Admired. His craftsmanship will be remembered forever. Love and condolences to the near and dear.' Mollywood legend Mohanlal posted on his official handle: 'Nana Patekar Ji brought rare intensity, depth and honesty to every role he played. His craft and his compassion leave an indelible mark that will be remembered for generations. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers. May his soul rest in peace.'
Jr NTR and Rishab Shetty Express Grief
RRR actor Jr NTR described the loss in deeply personal terms: 'Deeply saddened by the passing of Nana Patekar sir, one of Indian cinema's finest actors. There was an unmistakable honesty and intensity in every character he portrayed. His performances never felt like acting, but life unfolding on screen. A remarkable artist whose contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered for generations. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti.' Kantara actor Rishab Shetty also mourned his passing, adding a tribute to Patekar's humanitarian legacy: 'Deeply saddened by the passing of Nana Patekar sir. His powerful performances and the life he brought to every character have always been an inspiration. Beyond cinema, his work for farmers, rural communities and people in need through the Naam Foundation has touched countless lives. A truly remarkable artist and human being whose contribution to cinema and society will always be remembered.'
Nani and Other Stars Join the Mourning
Telugu actor Nani wrote: 'What a legendary career and original persona. Every performance and every nuance had his brilliance all over it. Nana Patekar sir. Farewell.' Superstars Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Pawan Kalyan, and Chiranjeevi also mourned the veteran actor's demise, underlining the pan-India reverence Patekar commanded across film industries.
Legacy Beyond the Screen
Beyond his decades-long acting career — marked by iconic performances across mainstream and parallel cinema — Patekar was widely respected for his social work. The Naam Foundation, which he co-founded, has been instrumental in aiding farmers and rural communities across Maharashtra. His death marks the loss of a figure who embodied both artistic excellence and civic responsibility, a combination rare in any era of Indian cinema. The Indian film industry and his admirers worldwide are expected to continue celebrating his legacy in the days ahead.
Point of View
Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema — is itself a statement about how far Nana Patekar's reach extended beyond Hindi-language audiences. What is striking is how consistently stars across industries chose to emphasise honesty and intensity over glamour, reflecting an actor who resisted the conventions of commercial stardom. The recurring mention of the Naam Foundation also signals that, for many in the industry, his off-screen identity was as defining as his on-screen one. His death removes one of the last links to an era of Indian cinema where character actors could command the same reverence as leading stars.
NationPress
8 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Nana Patekar die?
Nana Patekar died on 8 October 2026 after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was found unconscious at his home in Goa, rushed to hospital, and declared brought dead by doctors.
What did Allu Arjun say about Nana Patekar?
Allu Arjun called Patekar a 'Path Breaking Artist' and 'one of the most unique gems of Indian cinema,' saying his craftsmanship 'will be remembered forever.' He also extended condolences to Patekar's family and loved ones.
What was the Naam Foundation started by Nana Patekar?
The Naam Foundation is a humanitarian initiative co-founded by Nana Patekar that supports farmers, rural communities, and people in need, particularly in Maharashtra. Actor Rishab Shetty highlighted this work in his tribute, noting it had 'touched countless lives.'
Which South Indian actors paid tribute to Nana Patekar?
Among the South Indian film stars who publicly mourned Patekar were Allu Arjun, Mohanlal, Jr NTR, Rishab Shetty, Nani, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Pawan Kalyan, and Chiranjeevi, reflecting his pan-India stature.
What was Nana Patekar known for in Indian cinema?
Nana Patekar was celebrated for his intense, naturalistic performances across mainstream and parallel Indian cinema over several decades. Tributes from peers consistently described him as bringing rare honesty and depth to every role, with Jr NTR saying his performances felt like 'life unfolding on screen.'
