Nana Patekar passes away: PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi, Anupam Kher, Rajinikanth pay tributes

Veteran actor Nana Patekar’s death on Thursday prompted an outpouring of condolences from politicians, celebrities and sportspersons, who remembered his contributions to Hindi and Marathi cinema and his work for society.

Patekar, 75, died at his residence in Goa at around 5.20 am after suffering a cardiac arrest, said Dr Shekhar Salkar of Manipal Hospital. Doctors performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for about 45 minutes in an effort to revive him, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Patekar in a post on X, remembering the veteran actor for his intensity, individuality and unmistakable screen presence. “His contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema was immense. His passing leaves a deep void,” Modi wrote, adding that Patekar’s versatility and creativity had given audiences characters that would be remembered for generations. He also recalled the actor’s frank and forthright views and extended condolences to his family, friends and admirers.


Also read: Nana Patekar: Lights, camera, and a life lived beyond the silver screen

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief over Patekar’s death, describing the news as “extremely heartbreaking”. In a post on X, Gandhi said the veteran actor had “left an indelible mark on Indian cinema and in the hearts of audiences” through his performances and characters. He extended his deepest condolences to Patekar’s bereaved family, friends and supporters.

Actor Anupam Kher shared an emotional tribute to his friend, describing Patekar as “one of the finest actors and human beings in Indian cinema”. In a post on X, Kher recounted receiving the news shortly after completing a performance and taking a curtain call. He said it was difficult to continue meeting people and fulfilling his responsibilities while trying to absorb the loss, but felt Patekar would have wanted him to finish his work. Recalling the actor’s direct and unpretentious nature, Kher imagined him dismissing the very idea of a tribute by saying, “अरे, तो क्या हो गया? मर गया तो कौन-सी बड़ी बात है? सभी मरते हैं!” Kher said he would miss his friend’s warmth, hugs and extraordinary performances, adding that he would revisit his films whenever he missed him

President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over Patekar’s death, saying she was “deeply saddened” by the passing of the veteran actor. In a post on X, she said his powerful performances brought to life a wide range of human experiences and left “a lasting imprint on the hearts and minds of people”. The President also highlighted his commitment to social service and concern for the underprivileged, calling his death “a great loss to Indian cinema”. She extended her heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers.

Also read: Nana Patekar spoke of death 3 days before his passing: ‘I don’t know whether I will be here tomorrow’

Actor turned politician Mithun Chakraborty expressed deep sorrow over Nana Patekar’s demise, remembering him as one of his closest friends. “I am deeply saddened because he was one of my closest friends,” Chakraborty said, recalling Patekar’s generosity and the many people he helped. Addressing the perception that Patekar had a quick temper, he said, “Anger only arises when things aren't organized, after all, even I get angry then. If things are organized, why would there be any anger?” He added that their friendship went beyond films and that they shared a close bond irrespective of their professional lives.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed grief over the sudden demise of Nana Patekar, describing the news as “extremely heartbreaking”. In a post on X, she paid tribute to the veteran actor and said, “May God grant peace to the departed soul.” She also extended her deepest condolences to his bereaved family and fans.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed shock over the demise of Nana Patekar, describing the veteran actor and his close friend’s passing as “a massive shock to the heart”. In a post on X, Fadnavis said, “Nana was as grand on screen as he was in spirit,” adding that the actor had gifted an entire era to Marathi and Hindi cinema. Recalling Patekar’s performances in Krantiveer and Natsamrat, he said his contribution to acting was unparalleled. Fadnavis also highlighted Patekar’s social work, particularly through the Naam Foundation, which he co-founded with actor Makarand Anaspure, and his efforts to support farmers and drought-hit villages. “Frankness and fearlessness, these traits defined his personality,” Fadnavis wrote, paying a heartfelt tribute to his friend and extending condolences to his family and fans.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah described Nana Patekar’s death as an “irreparable loss to the world of art”. In a post on X, Shah said the veteran actor had left an indelible mark on audiences over five decades through his natural acting and powerful dialogue delivery. He also recalled Patekar’s social work through the Naam Foundation for drought-hit farmer families and his visits to the border to boost the morale of soldiers. Shah said the actor’s simplicity and straightforwardness had left a deep impression on him and prayed for strength for Patekar’s family and fans.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Patekar’s death was an “irreparable loss to Indian cinema”, remembering his extraordinary versatility and intensity. In a post on X, Singh said the actor could make audiences laugh with his comic timing, while films such as Ankush, Prahaar and Krantiveer showcased the rawness and gravitas he brought to his characters. “Nana Patekar was not merely an actor; he was an institution in himself,” Singh wrote, adding that his contribution to Indian cinema would continue to inspire generations. He extended condolences to the actor’s family, friends and admirers.

Actor Akshay Kumar expressed grief over Patekar’s death, recalling their work together in Welcome and Housefull 5. In a post on X, Kumar wrote, “That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance… he was completely his own.” Remembering their time on the film sets, he said there were many memories he would always hold close. “Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It’s hard to believe you’re gone,” Kumar wrote, adding that the actor would be missed more than words could express.

Actor Riteish Deshmukh said he was “shocked beyond words” by Patekar’s death, describing him as an incomparable performer who carved a unique place in people’s hearts. In a post on X, Deshmukh praised the veteran actor’s ability to portray larger-than-life heroes, terrifying villains and poker-faced comedy with equal ease. He also remembered Patekar’s charitable work, saying he was a hero off screen as well. Deshmukh recalled sharing screen space with him in Bluffmaster and Housefull 5, adding that working with him in a Marathi film would remain an unfulfilled desire. “Truly, the end of an era,” he wrote, thanking Patekar for his wisdom, conversations and encouragement.

Actor Manisha Koirala expressed sadness over Patekar’s death, remembering him as “a great actor, a remarkable presence and a true stalwart of the craft”. In a post on X, Koirala said his contribution to cinema and dedication to his craft would always be remembered. She concluded by praying for his soul to rest in peace.

Cricketer Virat Kohli paid tribute to Patekar, calling him “a true legend of Indian cinema”. In a post on X, Kohli wrote, “His work and legacy will live on for generations. Rest in peace, Nana Patekar ji. Om Shanti.”

Former India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar remembered Patekar as a straightforward and grounded person whose honesty was reflected in his performances. In a post on X, Tendulkar wrote, “Whether it was in Marathi or Hindi, he always brought something very real to the characters he played.” Expressing sadness over the actor’s passing, Tendulkar extended condolences to his family and loved ones.

Music composer A R Rahman expressed grief over Patekar’s death in a post on X. “Deeply saddened by the passing of Nana Patekar ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul find eternal peace,” Rahman wrote.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari described Patekar’s death as “extremely shocking and heartbreaking”, recalling the close and friendly relationship they shared. In a post on X, Gadkari said the actor had dominated the hearts of audiences for over five decades through Marathi and Hindi cinema and immortalised several characters with his distinctive dialogue delivery. He also highlighted Patekar’s work through the Naam Foundation in water conservation and watershed management in rural Maharashtra, as well as his support for families of farmers who died by suicide. Gadkari remembered him as an artist who was deeply sensitive to social concerns and prayed for peace for his departed soul.

Actor Rajinikanth said he could not believe that his friend was no longer alive. In a post on X, he wrote, “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.”

Actor Prakash Raj shared an emotional tribute to Patekar, recalling the moments they spent together. In a post on X, he wrote, “miss you my dear Nana ji .. Will cherish the moments spent..conversations.. arguments.. the food you cooked.. knowledge you shared.” Thanking Patekar for being part of his life, Prakash Raj concluded his message with “RIP”.

NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule paid an elaborate tribute to Patekar, remembering him as a powerful performer and a compassionate individual who remained connected to society despite his success. In a post on X, Sule said he had built his own universe through his talent and left an indelible mark on theatre and cinema. She recalled his performances in films including Parinda, Prahaar, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Tiranga, Ab Tak Chhappan, Khamoshi and Welcome, as well as his work in Marathi cinema. Sule also highlighted his efforts through the Naam Foundation in water conservation, river rejuvenation and the rehabilitation of families affected by farmer suicides. Calling his passing an “irreplaceable loss to art, culture, and social movements”, she extended condolences to his family, colleagues at the foundation and millions of admirers.