Acclaimed Indian actor Nana Patekar, known for intense roles in Parinda and Krantiveer, has died at 75 after a suspected cardiac arrest at his home in Goa.
Patekar was pronounced dead at a hospital Thursday after the collapse at his home in the western Indian state of Goa, the Associated Press reported.
Press Trust of India cited a doctor at the hospital as saying the cause was a suspected cardiac arrest. He was 75. He is survived by his wife and son.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi quickly mourned the loss, praising a performer who built nearly five decades of work on craft, force, and memorable characters rather than empty fashion.
Born in 1951 in Maharashtra, Patekar made his film debut in the 1978 Hindi film “Gaman.” He worked across Hindi- and Marathi-language cinema and became known for intense performances and roles that often portrayed complex or unconventional characters.
He earned major acclaim for “Parinda” and “Krantiveer.” Wider international notice came with filmmaker Mira Nair’s Oscar-nominated “Salaam Bombay!”
India’s film establishment recognized the body of work. Patekar won three National Film Awards, the country’s highest film honors. He also received the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards.
Modi posted a tribute on X that focused on the work itself.
The prime minister praised Patekar’s intensity, individuality, and unmistakable presence as an actor.
"He brought remarkable versatility and creativity to every role and gave us characters that will be remembered for generations,"
Modi wrote.
That is the right standard. Public honor belongs to people who deliver durable results, on screen or in public life, not to those who merely chase applause.
Patekar’s best roles outlast the news cycle. That is the measure that matters.
