Rest in glory: Nana Patekar passes away at 75, tributes pour in

Today, Indian cinema lost a gem. Veteran actor Nana Patekar is no more. The actor breathed his last at 5:20 am today (Oct 8) after suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa.

Despite 45 minutes of continuous CPR, he could not be revived. Born into a Marathi family in Murud-Janjira, Maharashtra, Patekar leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished for decades.

The world woke up to shocking news, and soon after, tributes started pouring in from actors like Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh.

Akshay Kumar

Nana Patekar and Akshay Kumar worked together in Welcome, where Patekar essayed the role of Uday Shetty and Kumar played Rajiv Saini and the two characters together made the audience lough till date.

‘’Really saddened by the news of Nana ji’s passing. He was one of those rare actors who never needed to do too much to make you sit up and watch. That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance… he was completely his own. I feel fortunate that we got to work together in Welcome, and then again more recently in Housefull 5. There are so many memories from those sets that I’ll always hold close. Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It’s hard to believe you’re gone. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say.''

Riteish Deshmukh

Expressing shock, actor Riteish Deshmukh wrote that there wasn't a role or a character he couldn't perform. He added that he had the privilege of sharing screen space with him in Bluffmaster and Housefull 5.

‘’I am shocked beyond words. Feels like a truck has hit me. Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Nana Patekar ji. An actor par excellence, incomparable to anyone, he carved his place in people’s hearts with his own unique style and brand of acting. There wasn’t a role or a character he couldn’t perform. He aced it all — a larger-than-life hero, a terrifying villain or be it his poker-faced comedy. He was a hero off screen too, and worked tirelessly through his charity for the good of the people. I had the privilege of sharing screen space with him in Bluffmaster and Housefull 5, but working with him in a Marathi film will forever remain my unfulfilled desire. My heartfelt and deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and the millions of his well-wishers.

Truly, the end of an era. Thank you for your wisdom, your chats with me, the pat on my back, the shared laughter and for enriching me as a person.
Rest in glory !!!!''

Shikhar Dhawan

Cricketer Dhawan said that the world lost a truly special talent today. In a post on X, he wrote,''⁠Indian cinema has lost a truly special talent today. Nana Patekar saab, your work will continue to inspire generations. Om Shanti.''

Nana Patekar

‘’Deeply saddened by the passing of Nana Patekar sir, one of Indian cinema’s finest actors. There was an unmistakable honesty and intensity in every character he portrayed. His performances never felt like acting, but life unfolding on screen. A remarkable artist whose contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered for generations. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti.''