Nana Patekar, one of Indian cinema’s most recognisable actors, has died at 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest in Goa. The cause of the arrest was not immediately established.
Patekar was found unconscious at his home in the early hours of Thursday and taken toward Manipal Hospital in Goa. Medical staff performed CPR during the journey and continued for about 45 minutes, but he could not be revived and was pronounced dead on arrival.
Family, friends and fans gathered at Goa Medical College to pay their respects. His remains were later flown by air ambulance to Pune, where Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid tribute before the body was taken to Patekar’s farm in Donje village. Funeral rites were planned there with full state honours.
Patekar won three National Film Awards and became known for intense, volatile characters across Hindi and Marathi cinema and theatre. His first National Film Award came for playing the gangster Anna, while roles in films including Prahaar, Tirangaa, Krantiveer, Khamoshi and Rajneeti showed a broader range, from forceful heroes and politicians to a character unable to hear or speak.
His performances, delivered in a distinctive rasping voice, made lines from his films widely recognisable. He was also known for an outspoken personality, but his acting ability continued to draw directors to him throughout a career that crossed several decades.