Veteran Actor Nana Patekar Dies at 75 After Cardiac Arrest

Veteran actor Nana Patekar died on Thursday, October 8, at the age of 75 after suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa.

Four days before his death, while addressing a gathering at the Samraat Club International installation ceremony in Goa on October 4, Patekar spoke about mortality and the uncertainty of life. In a video shared by news agency PTI, the actor stated in Marathi that death is inevitable, noting, “I don't know whether I will be here tomorrow or not. Every person's life will eventually reach that point. But before that happens, I have to ask myself: am I able to do what I want to do?”

During the October 4 event, Patekar also interacted with local artists, participated in traditional cultural activities, played the shamel (samel), and joined a dekhni dance performance. He additionally spoke about former Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.

Patekar passed away in the early hours of October 8. According to Dr Shekhar Salkar of Manipal Hospital, the actor became unresponsive and was brought to the hospital after friends and his caretaker sought medical help. Doctors attempted to revive him with a cardiac massage and CPR for approximately 45 minutes to an hour, but he could not be saved. A post-mortem was ordered at Goa Medical College before his mortal remains were to be transported to Maharashtra.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis spoke to Patekar’s son to offer the state government's support and announced that the veteran actor would be cremated with full state honours. President Droupadi Murmu also mourned his passing, stating that his death is a great loss to Indian cinema.