Legendary Bollywood Actor Nana Patekar Dies at 75 in Goa
Veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar, known for his intense performances and distinct dialogue delivery, died at age 75 in Goa. His son Malhar Patekar confirmed the death to BBC Marathi.
The actor, who began his career on stage before transitioning to film in 1978 with Gaman, became a household name after playing a gritty gangster in Parinda (1989). He earned three National Film Awards for his roles in Parinda, Krantiveer and Agni Sakshi.
Patekar was an outspoken activist. He co‑founded the Naam Foundation in 2015 to support farmers and water conservation and was known for his blunt criticism of government policies, especially on farmers’ welfare.
He faced controversy in 2018 when actress Tanushree Dutta alleged sexual harassment. The police later cleared him of these charges, citing insufficient evidence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a tribute on X, praising Patekar’s versatility and calling his death “a vast void in the artistic world.” Bollywood star Akshay Kumar remembered him as a rare performer whose “voice, intensity and honesty could command an audience’s attention.”
Patekar’s career spanned decades, with roles ranging from gangsters and politicians to soldiers and comedians, in both Hindi and Marathi films. He also directed the film Prahaar (1991) and remained active in theatre, producing plays like Purush and Hamidabai Chi Kothi.
