Nana Patekar, a revered Indian actor and filmmaker, passed away at the age of 75 in his residence in Goa, a state in western India. According to reports from the Press Trust of India news agency, Patekar is believed to have died from a cardiac arrest, as confirmed by a doctor at the hospital where he was declared deceased.
Born as Vishawanath Patekar in 1951 in Maharashtra, a state in western India, he enjoyed a successful career in both Hindi and Marathi cinema that spanned almost five decades. Patekar was renowned for his powerful acting performances, often portraying intricate and unconventional characters.
His cinematic journey began with the 1978 Hindi movie “Gaman,” followed by acclaimed roles in “Parinda” and “Krantiveer.” Patekar achieved international recognition in 1988 through his role in Mira Nair’s Oscar-nominated film, “Salaam Bombay!”
Throughout his career, Patekar received three National Film Awards, the highest film accolades in India, and was honored with the Padma Shri, one of the country’s most prestigious civilian awards.
Following his passing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, acknowledging Patekar’s unique acting prowess and impactful presence on screen. Modi praised his versatility and creativity in portraying characters that will be remembered for generations.
Although Patekar’s career was illustrious, it was also marred by allegations of sexual harassment. In 2018, actress Tanushree Dutta accused him of misconduct during the filming of a movie in 2008, sparking a significant conversation within India’s film industry and contributing to the country’s #MeToo movement.
Despite denying the allegations, Patekar’s reputation was significantly impacted. In 2019, Mumbai police closed the investigation due to insufficient evidence to support the complaint.
Nana Patekar is survived by his wife and son, leaving behind a legacy in the Indian film industry that will be remembered for years to come.