Cricket fraternity mourns Nana Patekar, Padma Shri icon of Indian cinema
Synopsis
Nana Patekar, one of Indian cinema's most celebrated actors and a Padma Shri awardee, died of cardiac arrest at 75 in Goa on 8 October — prompting an outpouring of grief from the cricket world. From Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh, the sporting fraternity united in mourning a man whose artistic honesty and humanitarian work made him far more than a screen legend.
Key Takeaways
Nana Patekar , veteran actor and Padma Shri awardee, passed away on 8 October 2026 at age 75 following a severe cardiac arrest at his home in Dona Paula, Goa .
He was rushed to Manipal Hospital , where continuous CPR was attempted but proved unsuccessful.
Sachin Tendulkar , Virat Kohli , Yuvraj Singh , Suresh Raina , Ajinkya Rahane , and Shikhar Dhawan were among the cricketers who paid tribute.
Patekar made his Hindi film debut with Gaman in 1978 and won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for Parinda ( 1989 ).
He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2013 and was known for his humanitarian work supporting drought-affected farmers in Maharashtra .
The cricket fraternity on Thursday, 8 October 2026, paid heartfelt tributes to veteran actor and Padma Shri awardee Nana Patekar, who passed away at the age of 75 following a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. Cricketers across generations remembered him for his 'powerful performances, honesty and simplicity,' saying his legacy would 'live on for generations.'
How He Passed Away
Patekar was found unconscious in the early hours of Thursday at his home in Dona Paula and was rushed to Manipal Hospital, where doctors administered continuous CPR in an attempt to revive him. Their efforts proved unsuccessful, and he was declared dead. The acclaimed actor had made an indelible mark across both Hindi and Marathi cinema over five decades.
Tributes from Cricket Legends
Former India captain Sachin Tendulkar remembered Patekar as 'a very straightforward and grounded person,' adding, 'His work had that same honesty to it. Whether it was in Marathi or Hindi, he always brought something very real to the characters he played. Very sad to hear about his passing. My condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti.'
Virat Kohli posted on X: 'A true legend of Indian cinema. His work and legacy will live on for generations. Rest in peace, Nana Patekar ji. Om Shanti.'
Former India batsman Suresh Raina wrote, 'An era ends with the passing of a true legend. Nana Patekar ji — your powerful performances, honesty, and simplicity made you one of Indian cinema's most unforgettable artists. You will always be remembered.'
Pakistani leg-spinner Danish Kaneria shared on X: 'Hamare baad ab mehfil mein afsane bayan honge, Baharein ham ko dhundhengi, na jaane ham kahan honge! Alvida Nana. Om Shanti!'
Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh wrote on X, 'Cinema has lost a true legend, one of the finest actors we have ever seen! I remember watching so many of his films and being mesmerised by his voice, his presence and his unforgettable performances. My condolences to his family.'
Former India Test captain Ajinkya Rahane said, 'Nana Patekar ji was a truly remarkable actor whose work has inspired and entertained generations. Very sad to hear about his passing. May his soul rest in peace.' Shikhar Dhawan added, 'Indian cinema has lost a truly special talent today. Nana Patekar saab, your work will continue to inspire generations.'
A Career That Defined Indian Cinema
Patekar made his Hindi film debut with Gaman in 1978. A defining milestone came with director Vidhu Vinod Chopra's Parinda in 1989, where his portrayal of ruthless crime boss Anna earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. In 2013, he was honoured with the Padma Shri — India's fourth-highest civilian award — for his contribution to the arts and cinema.
Beyond the Screen
Nana Patekar was widely respected not just as an actor but as a humanitarian. He was closely associated with social initiatives supporting farmers and families affected by drought in Maharashtra — a dimension of his public life that earned him admiration well beyond film audiences. His death marks the loss of a figure who was as much a social conscience as a cinematic force.
Point of View
Including those whose professional world had nothing to do with cinema. What mainstream tributes tend to understate is his humanitarian legacy: his sustained work with Maharashtra's drought-affected farmers was not celebrity charity but a years-long personal commitment. Indian cinema has lost many talented actors, but rarely one who combined that level of artistic intensity with that kind of off-screen moral seriousness.
NationPress
8 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Nana Patekar die?
Nana Patekar died on 8 October 2026 after suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. He was found unconscious and rushed to Manipal Hospital, where doctors administered continuous CPR but were unable to revive him.
How old was Nana Patekar when he died?
Nana Patekar was 75 years old at the time of his death. He had a career spanning nearly five decades across Hindi and Marathi cinema.
What awards did Nana Patekar receive during his career?
Nana Patekar received the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Parinda (1989) and was honoured with the Padma Shri — India's fourth-highest civilian award — in 2013 for his contribution to the arts and cinema.
Which cricketers paid tribute to Nana Patekar?
Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Ajinkya Rahane, Shikhar Dhawan, and Danish Kaneria were among the cricketers who paid tribute. Kohli posted on X calling Patekar 'a true legend of Indian cinema.'
What was Nana Patekar's social work?
Beyond cinema, Nana Patekar was associated with sustained social initiatives supporting farmers and families affected by drought in Maharashtra. This work earned him widespread respect beyond the film industry.
