Actress Varsha Usgaonkar has paid a heartfelt tribute to veteran actor Nana Patekar, who passed away on 8 October 2026 at the age of 75 following a cardiac arrest, saying she feels privileged to have shared screen space with him in the 1993 film 'Tirangaa'. Usgaonkar described his death as untimely, expressing the view that timelier medical intervention might have saved him.

Usgaonkar's Tribute to a Versatile Actor

'I feel extremely fortunate that I was able to do 'Tirangaa' with him,' Usgaonkar said. She reflected on Nana Patekar's extraordinary range as a performer, noting that he seamlessly moved between comedy, protagonist roles, and antagonist parts across his decades-long career. When asked about her favourite performance of his, she singled out his work in 'Tirangaa' as particularly memorable.

Usgaonkar also voiced a broader sentiment about the tragedy of losing someone at 75. 'I feel if he had gotten the necessary medical help during that time, he would still be with us today. 75 is not an age to go. Nowadays, medical science has advanced so much that I think a person can live up to 100 years. But unfortunately, he passed away,' she said.

What Happened: The Circumstances of Nana Patekar's Death

Nana Patekar was reportedly found unconscious at his home and was subsequently rushed to Manipal Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him through CPR. He was later cremated with full state honours at his farmhouse in Donje, Pune.

The Panaji police had initially registered a case of unnatural death under Section 194 of the BNSS under UD No. 62/2026. However, the post-mortem report subsequently confirmed that his death was natural, ruling out any foul play. According to the final post-mortem findings, a blood clot in the main coronary artery blocked blood supply to the heart, triggering the fatal cardiac arrest.

A Career That Spanned Decades

Nana Patekar was one of Hindi and Marathi cinema's most distinctive voices — a performer known for intensity, unpredictability, and a refusal to be typecast. From gritty dramatic roles to comic turns, his body of work left a deep imprint on Indian cinema. His collaboration with Varsha Usgaonkar in 'Tirangaa' remains one of the better-remembered action films of the early 1990s.

Tributes from across the film fraternity have continued to pour in since his passing, underscoring the scale of the loss felt within the industry and among audiences alike.

What the Medical Findings Confirmed

The post-mortem report, which cleared all suspicion of foul play, established that the cause of death was a natural cardiac event — a coronary artery blockage that led to a fatal arrest. This is consistent with the initial emergency presentation reported when he was found unconscious. The case registered by Panaji police has since been addressed by the medical findings.