Nana Patekar dies at 75: Suniel Shetty, Arjun Rampal, Boman Irani mourn
Synopsis
One of Bollywood's most intense and authentic performers, Nana Patekar, died in Goa at 75, leaving the film industry in shock. From Suniel Shetty's 'they don't make men like you anymore' to Boman Irani's quiet promise to 'keep walking,' the tributes reveal just how personally — not just professionally — he touched those around him.
Key Takeaways
Veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away in Goa at the age of 75 .
Suniel Shetty called the loss 'absolutely shocking' on Instagram, saying 'there was only one Nana.' Arjun Rampal described the death as 'a huge huge loss to the industry' and extended condolences to Patekar's family.
Boman Irani recalled Patekar's habit of encouraging him to walk every morning, closing his tribute with 'will keep walking.' Filmmakers Vivek Agnihotri and Subhash Ghai also paid tribute, honouring Patekar's legacy across Marathi and Hindi cinema and theatre.
Veteran Bollywood actor Nana Patekar passed away in Goa at the age of 75, sending shockwaves through the Hindi film industry. Actors Suniel Shetty, Arjun Rampal, and Boman Irani were among the many who took to social media to express their grief, remembering Patekar as an exceptional artiste and a rare human being whose impact stretched far beyond the screen.
Suniel Shetty: There Was Only One Nana
Actor Suniel Shetty shared his condolences on Instagram, describing the news as 'absolutely shocking.' 'They don't make men like you anymore. So deeply rooted no matter how high you rose,' he wrote. Shetty added: 'Unapologetically yourself, fiercely honest and a master of your craft. There was only one Nana. There will never be another. Rest in peace Bhau... Cinema won't be the same without you.'
Arjun Rampal: A Huge Loss to the Industry
Actor Arjun Rampal called the news 'devastating' and said he was 'shocked and deeply saddened' to learn of Patekar's passing. 'Can't believe it, this is a huge huge loss to the industry and to all of us, especially people who knew him personally, whose lives he touched,' Rampal wrote. He praised Patekar for living life on his own terms and for performances that left 'unforgettable memories,' extending his deepest condolences to the family.
Boman Irani: Will Keep Walking
Veteran actor Boman Irani described the news as 'difficult, painful and emotional.' Irani recalled that he was on his morning walk when he received the news — an activity Patekar had regularly encouraged him to take up. 'Come on, Boman. Walk, walk, he always said,' Irani wrote. He added: 'I'm heartbroken, but we should not let our sorrow obscure his contribution to cinema and theatre. Good man, no more. Will miss you, Nana. Will keep walking.'
Filmmakers and the Wider Industry Pay Tribute
Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri mourned in his characteristic style, writing: 'Kya yaar Nana retake ka bhi time nahi diya, Artists like you Nana never die. Go, make life hell of people in the heaven.' Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai bid a heartfelt farewell, calling Patekar 'a most honest soul,' 'a rare person,' and 'a unique philosopher and philanthropist,' crediting him as an enduring force in both Marathi and Hindi cinema and theatre. 'We all loved u n shall love u for good. RIP,' Ghai wrote.
A Career That Defined an Era
Nana Patekar was regarded as one of the most intense and versatile performers in Indian cinema, known for his work across Marathi and Hindi film and theatre over several decades. His screen presence, rooted in an unapologetic authenticity, made him a singular figure in Bollywood. The outpouring of grief from colleagues underlines the scale of the loss — not just to the industry, but to those who knew him personally. The film fraternity is expected to continue paying its tributes in the days ahead.
Point of View
Honesty, and a personal warmth that defied his intense on-screen persona — says something significant: Nana Patekar was not merely admired, he was genuinely loved by peers. In an industry prone to transactional relationships, multiple actors specifically noted that he cared and touched lives personally. His death at 75 closes a chapter of Bollywood defined by rawness and fearlessness — qualities that mainstream cinema has struggled to replicate in the streaming era. The industry will offer many tributes; the harder question is whether it will produce the conditions that made someone like Patekar possible again.
NationPress
8 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did Nana Patekar pass away?
Nana Patekar passed away in Goa at the age of 75. The news prompted an immediate outpouring of grief from the Hindi and Marathi film fraternity.
What did Suniel Shetty say about Nana Patekar's death?
Suniel Shetty called the news 'absolutely shocking' on Instagram, writing 'they don't make men like you anymore' and 'there was only one Nana, there will never be another.' He signed off his tribute with 'Rest in peace Bhau... Cinema won't be the same without you.'
How did Arjun Rampal react to Nana Patekar's passing?
Arjun Rampal described himself as 'devastated, shocked and deeply saddened,' calling it 'a huge huge loss to the industry.' He praised Patekar for living on his own terms and extended condolences to his family.
What tribute did Boman Irani pay to Nana Patekar?
Boman Irani shared a personal memory, noting that Patekar had always urged him to go on morning walks. He received the news of Patekar's death during one such walk and closed his tribute saying 'will keep walking' — a promise to honour his friend's memory.
What was Nana Patekar known for in Indian cinema?
Nana Patekar was regarded as one of the most intense and versatile actors in Indian cinema, celebrated for his work across Hindi and Marathi films and theatre over several decades. Colleagues consistently described him as unapologetically honest both as a performer and as a person.
