Actor Sunny Deol has paid a heartfelt tribute to veteran star Nana Patekar, who passed away on 8 October 2026 at the age of 75 following a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. Deol remembered Patekar as someone who was “fearless” and “full of life,” recalling a special personal bond the two had shared over many years despite never having worked together on screen.

Sunny Deol's Tribute

Sharing a photograph with Patekar on his social media account, Sunny Deol wrote: “Still can’t believe Nana is not among us. We never worked together, but we always shared a very special bond that went back many years. Fearless, full of life, he always did what he wanted to do. That’s how I’ll always remember him. Will miss you, Nana.”

The photograph shows the two veteran actors posing together with their arms around each other. The image appears to have been taken at an event connected to Gadar 2, with the film’s title visible in the backdrop, offering a glimpse of the warmth the two shared off-camera.

How Nana Patekar Passed Away

Patekar was reportedly found unconscious at his Dona Paula home and was rushed to Manipal Hospital, where doctors reportedly attempted to revive him through continuous CPR for approximately 45 minutes. He could not be revived. The actor had reportedly been seen interacting with an audience at a public event in Goa just days before his death.

A Career Spanning Four Decades

Born Vishwanath Patekar, Nana Patekar built an extraordinary career spanning more than four decades across Hindi and Marathi cinema, theatre, and filmmaking. His performances across commercial entertainers and critically acclaimed parallel cinema made him one of the most versatile and respected actors of his generation.

Beyond the screen, Patekar was widely recognised for his deep commitment to social causes, particularly his sustained work in support of farmers and rural communities in Maharashtra. His humanitarian efforts were widely respected across the industry and beyond.

Film Industry in Mourning

Patekar’s death has sent shockwaves through Bollywood and Marathi cinema, with colleagues, fans, and public figures expressing grief at the passing of one of Indian cinema’s most singular talents. Tributes continue to pour in from across the film industry. Sunny Deol’s tribute is among the most personal, underscoring that Patekar’s presence extended well beyond any professional collaboration.

The film fraternity now mourns not just an actor of rare intensity, but also a man whose off-screen persona — direct, socially conscious, and unapologetically himself — set him apart in an industry not always known for such candour.