Nana Patekar, one of Indian cinema’s most powerful actors, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy across Hindi and Marathi cinema, theatre and direction, marked by unforgettable performances, National Awards, Padma Shri and immense audience affection.

Nana Patekar, born Vishwanath Patekar, was one of Indian cinema’s most distinctive actors — a performer whose intensity, voice, silences and physical presence could transform a character within moments. Beginning with theatre and Marathi cinema before making his Hindi film debut with Gaman in 1978, he went on to create a remarkable body of work across parallel cinema, mainstream Bollywood and Marathi films.

From Parinda, Krantiveer and Agni Sakshi to Khamoshi: The Musical, Ab Tak Chhappan, Raajneeti, Natsamrat and Welcome, Patekar repeatedly demonstrated an extraordinary range, winning three National Film Awards, four Filmfare Awards and the Padma Shri. He was equally compelling on stage and also directed films.

His life, like his career, contained contradictions. The allegations raised by Tanushree Dutta during India’s #MeToo movement in 2018 became an important part of the public conversation around him and the film industry; Patekar denied the allegations. Today, however, as colleagues and audiences mourn, the overwhelming focus is on the indelible artistic legacy of an actor who could be terrifying, vulnerable, comic, wounded and profoundly human.

Tributes Pour In For An Icon

Amit Khanna Remembers A Maverick

“Nana Patekar was a maverick who lived life on his own terms. A consummate artiste he was a generous , kind and multi-talented. He will be long remembered. Om Shanti 🙏”

Anupam Kher Recalls A Friend

“NANA PATEKAR THE GREATEST?💔💔A couple of hours ago, I received the heartbreaking news that my friend Nana Patekar, one of the finest actors and human beings in Indian cinema, is no more.🥹🥹 I had just finished our performance and taken the curtain call. As I walked into the wings, my director Gajendra told me, “Nana is no more.”🥹 After that, I had to meet people, pose for photographs, smile, sit down for a meal… while trying to absorb what I had just heard. It was terribly difficult. But somewhere, I felt that Nana would have wanted me to finish my work. Fulfil my responsibility to the people who had come to see us. And then, perhaps, remember him. Actually, knowing him, I can almost hear him dismissing the very idea of a tribute: “अरे, तो क्या हो गया? मर गया तो कौन-सी बड़ी बात है? सभी मरते हैं!” That was Nana. Direct, unpretentious, with his own way of saying even the most difficult things.❤️‍🩹 I will miss you, my friend. Your warmth. Your hugs. Your extraordinary performances. And whenever I miss seeing you, I will watch your films. Though today, I wish I could simply hug you one more time.”

Tukaram Mundhe Recalls Last Words

“Nana Patekar is no more. I have lost not merely an exceptional artist, but an extraordinary human being and a dear friend , someone whose warmth and affection touched everyone around him. We spoke just eight days ago. I could never have imagined that it would be our last conversation. His last words to me were: “Love you, Bala.” Those words will stay with me for the rest of my life. Some people leave behind memories. A few leave behind a part of themselves in our lives. Nana was one of them. Goodbye, my friend. You will be deeply missed, and forever remembered.”

Yashovardhan Jha Azad Salutes Greatness

“A great loss. One of the greatest actors - in the league of Sanjeev Kumar, Nasruddin Shah, Shabana, Smita, Tabu, Pankaj Tripathi, Nawazuddin, Rao. Great personality who would speak out on issues. Had a great conversation with him on the sets of Prakash Jha film shooting in Bhopal 2 decades back.”

Ritesh Deshmukh Remembers A Giant

“Today, words have failed me; it's as if lightning has struck my heart. Nana is gone... This single sentence has left my mind numb, speechless. You were the sky of acting, boundless in comparison. With your unique style, you built an unshakable home in the hearts of audiences. Sometimes the radiant hero on screen, sometimes the villain who sent shivers down the spine, or the mischievous humor behind a serious face— Every shade came alive in your acting. On screen, you were the hero, but behind the scenes, even greater. Through your institution, the eternal stream of humanity continued to flow. Sharing the screen with you in Bluffmaster and Housefull 5 was my fortune. But working with you in a Marathi film— This unfulfilled longing will haunt me for life. Your words, your chats, that pat of appreciation on the back, The hearty laughter we shared—these are my true earnings. My heartfelt condolences to the family, loved ones, and millions of fans. Truly, today marks the end of an era. Heartfelt tribute. 🙏”

Ram Gopal Varma Calls Him A Legend

“YES, everybody knows nobody is immortal .. But I still can’t believe this can so suddenly happen to a man , as strong as him .. I hate his heart for failing him and I feel like killing GOD for killing the GOD of acting , NANA PATEKAR .”

Ananth Mahadevan Remembers A Philosopher

“Shocking.. heartbreaking… flood of memories of togetherness ..shared a wonderful working and personal relationship. a person who went far beyond the commercial garb of films, saw life inside out with all the truths.. a philosopher, philanthropist and friend…Short of words..”

Subhash Ghai Bids Goodbye

“GOOD BYE NANA 🙏🏽 MARATHI N HINDI CINEMA N STAGE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU For being a real NUT SMRAAT ON SCREEN A being a great friend without transaction A most honest soul to yourself A great cook at home like mother A jolly person n unique philosopher n philanthropist🌸”

Manisha Koirala Honours His Craft

“Deeply saddened by the passing of a great actor, a remarkable presence and a true stalwart of the craft. His contribution to cinema and his dedication to his craft will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻”

Madhavan Narayan Reflects On His Contradictions

“Cocky, rugged, controversial. Articulate, intense, passionate. Talented, hardworking, outspoken. Entitled by gender, vulnerable by circumstances. In many ways, on and off screen, in persona and personality, he symbolised the vanishing appeal of an anti-hero with a patriarchal panache that charms working-class audiences as a sign of style, strength, and sincerity. Nana Patekar, RIP #NanaPatekar” 

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