Veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away on 8 October 2026, sending shockwaves across Maharashtra and the broader Indian film fraternity. Ruling and opposition leaders alike described his death as an irreplaceable loss — not only to cinema but to the social fabric of the state he spent decades serving through his Naam Foundation.

Chief Minister Fadnavis: 'He left us so suddenly'

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis offered an intimate tribute, recalling Patekar's personal involvement in the state's Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan drought-relief initiative. 'Frankness and fearlessness — these traits defined his personality. But ever since I became Chief Minister, I've always seen the tender human within him,' Fadnavis said. He noted that Patekar, alongside actor Makarand Anaspure, co-founded the Naam Foundation and personally visited villages to assist drought-stricken farmers. 'From 'Krantiveer' to 'Natsamrat', the powerful and masterful tapestry of acting he wove in his journey has no equal. Thus, his departure as an actor is a profound loss,' the Chief Minister added.

Deputy CM Shinde: 'Born only once in a century'

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde called Patekar 'Maharashtra's bold, arrow-sharp voice' that has now fallen silent. 'I have lost a true, big-hearted friend. This loss can never be compensated. An actor like him is born only once in a century,' Shinde said. He disclosed that Patekar's final dream was to establish a school for children in Kashmir, and pledged full government assistance to fulfil it. 'That alone will be the true tribute to Nana Patekar,' Shinde added. He also highlighted Patekar's journey — rising without a godfather, purely on talent — as a source of enduring inspiration for every Marathi aspirant in the Hindi film industry.

State Honours Announced; Cultural Affairs Minister Pays Tribute

Maharashtra Minister of Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar announced that the state government has decided to conduct Patekar's last rites with full state honours, in recognition of his unparalleled contribution to Marathi theatre and both Marathi and Hindi cinema. Shelar noted that Patekar was the recipient of the Late Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award 2013, presented by the Government of Maharashtra. 'Emerging from a middle-class working Marathi family, Nana Patekar left an indelible mark on acting through immense hard work and his distinctive style,' Shelar said.

Opposition Voices Grief Across Party Lines

Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar remembered Patekar through his celebrated films — 'Natsamrat', 'Krantiveer', and 'Parinda' — and described his passing as 'especially heartbreaking' for her family, given the close bond Patekar shared with Ajit Dada. NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar said that 'an extraordinary, sensitive, and impactful era in Indian cinema has come to an end.' Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee chief Harshwardhan Sapkal called the news 'extremely heartbreaking', citing Patekar's outstanding acting, social awareness, and humanity. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve mourned both the artistic and social void left behind, particularly as Marathwada and Maharashtra grapple with another drought season.

A Legacy Beyond Cinema

Across the tributes, one theme recurred: Patekar's social work through the Naam Foundation was as defining as his screen presence. From aiding drought-affected farmers to personally visiting villages during relief operations, he embodied what several leaders described as a rare combination of artistic brilliance and civic responsibility. This is the passing of a figure who straddled multiple worlds — the Mumbai mill town he came from, the Hindi film industry he conquered, the Marathi stage he revered, and the rural Maharashtra he chose to serve. How the state fulfils Deputy CM Shinde's pledge to complete Patekar's Kashmir school project will now be watched closely.