CM Nayab Saini mourns Padma Shri Nana Patekar's passing

Key Takeaways

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini condoled the death of Padma Shri Nana Patekar on 8 October 2026 .

Saini called the news 'extremely painful' and described Patekar's passing as 'a great loss for Indian cinema.' The CM honoured Patekar's 'splendid acting, commanding personality, and dedication to social causes.' Patekar was awarded the Padma Shri , one of India's highest civilian honours, for his contributions to the arts.

Saini prayed for peace for the departed soul and strength for the bereaved family and fans.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed deep grief on Thursday, 8 October 2026, over the passing of veteran actor and theatre artist Nana Patekar, calling the loss a profound blow to Indian cinema.

Writing in Hindi, CM Saini described the news as 'atyanth peedadayak' — 'extremely painful' — and paid tribute to the Padma Shri laureate's towering contribution to stage and screen. 'His splendid acting, commanding personality, and dedication to social causes have left an indelible mark on the world of art,' Saini wrote. 'His passing is a great loss for Indian cinema. His contributions and memorable roles will always be remembered.'

A career that defined an era of Indian parallel cinema

Nana Patekar was one of the most distinctive voices in Indian cinema — an actor whose intensity on screen was matched by his outspoken presence off it. Honoured with the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards, he built a reputation across decades of Hindi and Marathi film and theatre. His roles were rarely comfortable; they were confrontational, layered, and unforgettable.

Beyond the screen, Patekar was equally known for his humanitarian work, particularly his sustained support for drought-affected farmers in Maharashtra through the Naam Foundation, which he co-founded. That combination — artistic excellence and grassroots social commitment — made him an unusual figure in the entertainment world, and it is precisely this duality that CM Saini's tribute chose to honour.

CM Saini's prayer for the bereaved family

Saini concluded his condolence with a spiritual invocation, praying that God grant the departed soul a place at His feet and that the bereaved family and fans be given 'patience and strength in this difficult hour.' He signed off with 'Om Shanti' — the traditional Hindu prayer for peace for the departed.

The tribute reflects the cross-party, cross-regional regard that Patekar commanded. His death leaves a silence in Indian arts that will not be filled easily.

Point of View

Which gave Patekar a moral authority that transcended entertainment. Such bipartisan condolences also reflect the BJP's consistent effort to acknowledge cultural icons from Maharashtra, a politically significant state. The tribute is sincere in register, but it also quietly reinforces the ruling party's claim to a broad cultural tent.

NationPress

8 Oct 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini say about Nana Patekar's death?

CM Saini called the news 'extremely painful' and said Patekar's passing is 'a great loss for Indian cinema,' honouring his acting, personality, and social dedication.

What award did Nana Patekar receive from the Indian government?

Nana Patekar was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honours, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the arts.

What was Nana Patekar known for besides acting?

Patekar co-founded the Naam Foundation, which provided substantial relief to drought-hit farmers in Maharashtra, making him a notable humanitarian figure alongside his film career.

When did CM Nayab Singh Saini post his condolence for Nana Patekar?

CM Saini posted his condolence on Thursday, 8 October 2026, at 9:48 AM IST on the social media platform X.

What languages did Nana Patekar work in?

Nana Patekar had a prolific career spanning Hindi and Marathi cinema as well as theatre, earning recognition across both mainstream and parallel film traditions.