'An actor who always stood up for society': Politicians mourn death of Nana Patekar

Union minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and NCP(SP) leader Sharad Pawar were among the political leaders who paid tribute to veteran actor Nana Patekar, who died at his residence in Goa following a cardiac arrest on Thursday morning.

Gadkari said he and Patekar shared a very close and friendly relationship, adding that the news of his death was deeply shocking and saddening.

"With his powerful acting, Nana Patekar dominated the hearts of audiences through Marathi and Hindi films for more than five decades. His distinctive dialogue delivery immortalised many film characters and created a unique identity for him. His untimely death is a great loss to Indian cinema," Gadkari said.

In a statement, the Union minister highlighted Patekar's work in water conservation and harvesting in rural parts of Maharashtra through the Naam Foundation.

"The assistance he provided to the families of farmers who took their own lives became the support for many families. Nana was not only an outstanding artist and actor but also a person deeply sensitive to social causes. May God grant peace to his departed soul," Gadkari added.

In a post on X, Chief Minister Fadnavis expressed his shock and grief over the “untimely and sudden” death of the veteran actor.

"Nana was as grand on screen as he was in spirit. He gifted an entire era to Marathi and Hindi cinema. From that, it was primarily his image as a patriot that resonated deeply with audiences. From Krantiveer to Natsamrat, the powerful and masterful tapestry of acting he wove in his journey has no equal. Thus, his departure as an actor is a profound loss," he said.

The chief minister noted that frankness and fearlessness were the two traits that defined Patekar’s personality.

“When we took up the Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan, Nana himself stepped forward to support it. Along with Makarand Anaspure, he joined hands to establish the Naam Foundation and personally went into the villages to work,” Fadnavis said.

Pawar, in a statement, described Patekar as a talented artist who always stood by people during difficult times. He said Patekar's contribution to helping drought-affected people through the Naam Foundation would be greatly missed.

The veteran actor had not only excelled in his profession but had also remained deeply concerned about society and used his own efforts and resources to help people in distress, he noted.

"Today, Nana is not with us. Maharashtra has lost a talented artist and a great person who would rush to help those in distress. I and my colleagues, my party and everyone else share the grief of his family," Pawar said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari called Patekar one of the "fiercest, most genuine and irreplaceable voices".

“Indian Cinema has lost one of its fiercest, most genuine and irreplaceable voices. Nana Ji didn't merely play roles; he breathed raw, unapologetic truth into every character," he said.

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, too, expressed his condolences in a post on X.

"Deeply saddened by the passing of veteran actor Shri Nana Patekar. With his extraordinary talent, powerful screen presence and unforgettable performances, he gave Indian cinema some truly memorable characters. Beyond the screen, his compassion for farmers and commitment to serving society reflected the depth of his character," he said.

Patekar died on Thursday morning after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa. He was 75.

According to reports, Patekar was found unconscious at his apartment in Dona Paula, near Panaji, and was rushed to a hospital. However, doctors were unable to revive him despite 45 minutes of continuous CPR.