A life of intensity
Veteran actor Nana Patekar, known for his powerful stage presence and hard‑cut roles, died at 75 in Goa after a sudden cardiac arrest. He was found unconscious at his home and, despite 45 minutes of CPR, could not be revived upon arrival at Manipal Hospital.
Patekar’s career, which began with the 1978 film Gaman, earned him three National Film Awards for Parinda, Krantiveer and Agni Sakshi. He became a household name with his gritty gangster portrayal in Parinda and later directed and acted in Prahaar and other socially‑charged films.
The actor was celebrated for his outspoken nature, often criticizing government policies and advocating farmer rights. His activism extended to the Naam Foundation, founded with actor Makarand Anaspure to support water conservation and farmer welfare.
Patekar’s legacy is complex; he faced sexual harassment allegations in 2018 that sparked India’s #MeToo movement, and was cleared of charges in 2019. Despite controversy, his peers praised him for his unrivalled acting talent.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bollywood stars, including Akshay Kumar, offered heartfelt tributes, calling him a “vast void in the artistic world.” His funeral, scheduled with full state honours at a farmhouse in Pune, reflects the nation’s respect for his contributions to cinema and society.
