Rajinikanth and Film Industry Mourn the Passing of Nana Patekar at 75

Veteran actor Nana Patekar has passed away at the age of 75 following a severe cardiac arrest at his residence at 5:30 AM. According to Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Oncology Department at Manipal Hospital, despite approximately 45 minutes of continuous CPR, the actor could not be revived. A medico-legal case has been registered and a post-mortem is expected to be conducted.

Superstar Rajinikanth expressed his disbelief and grief on social media, writing, “I can’t believe my dear friend Nanaji is no longer with us. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the late actor for his intensity, individuality, and unmistakable presence, highlighting his contributions to Hindi and Marathi cinema. Numerous other industry figures shared their tributes:

• Ram Gopal Varma called him “the GOD of acting” and expressed shock over the sudden loss.
• Akshay Kumar, who worked with him in Welcome and Housefull 5, recalled how he commanded screen attention effortlessly.
• Riteish Deshmukh, his co-star in Bluffmaster and Housefull 5, called his passing the “end of an era.”
• Prakash Raj remembered their conversations, arguments, shared food, and the knowledge Nana imparted.
• Neil Nitin Mukesh described him as an “actor par excellence” and an inspiration to aspiring performers.
• Adil Hussain stated he was “speechless” upon hearing the news, while Mukesh Chhabra expressed shock and disbelief.

Nana Patekar began his film career with Gaman in 1978 and built a reputation as a distinctive performer in Indian cinema. He gained wider recognition with Salaam Bombay! in 1988 and Parinda in 1989, earning a National Film Award and a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as a gangster in Parinda.