Veteran actor Nana Patekar, known for his versatile performances and powerful screen presence, passed away at his residence in Goa in the early hours of Thursday.
He was 75. Patekar is suspected to have suffered a heart attack.
According to a report by news agency PTI, Patekar was found unconscious at his apartment in Dona Paula, near Panaji, and was taken to a private hospital, where he was declared dead at around 5.10 am, senior doctor Dr Shekhar Salkar said.
Despite 45 minutes of CPR, doctors could not revive him, Salkar said. A medico-legal case has been registered in this connection, and a postmortem will be conducted to ascertain the exact cause of death.
According to information provided to hospital doctors by a friend of Patekar, the actor had messaged him around 3.30 am saying he was unwell. The friend saw the message around 4 am and rushed to Patekar's apartment, where he was living with a caretaker.
The caretaker rushed to the private hospital, from where an ambulance was sent to his house. "The treatment started in the ambulance itself," Salkar said.
Patekar's residence is about 5 minutes away from the hospital.
The doctors tried to revive him after being brought to the hospital, but he was declared dead at 5.10 am.
The body has been sent to Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim, where the postmortem would be conducted to ascertain the exact cause of death, Salkar said.
The actor's sudden death has shocked his fans and industry colleagues as he seemed to be in good health as he attended an event here.
Condoling Patekar's death Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the actor leaves a deep void.
"Few actors possessed the intensity, individuality and unmistakable presence that Shri Nana Patekar Ji had. He brought remarkable versatility and creativity to every role and gave us characters that will be remembered for generations. He was also admired for his frank and forthright views, never hesitating to express what he believed in," the PM said in a post on X.
"Shri Nana Patekar’s contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema was immense. His passing leaves a deep void. My condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers. Om Shanti," he added.
Actor Akshay Kumar, who worked with Patekar on blockbuster comedy "Welcome", said he has so many memories from their time together on the set that he will hold dear.
"Really saddened by the news of Nana ji's passing. He was one of those rare actors who never needed to do too much to make you sit up and watch. That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance… he was completely his own," Akshay wrote in a post on X.
"Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It's hard to believe you're gone. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say," said the actor, who last collaborated with Patekar for 2025's "Housefull 5".
Actor R Madhavan said he was deeply moved and inspired by his performance in the 1991 critically-acclaimed movie film "Prahaar: The Final Attack". Patekar trained with the Army for two years for his directorial debut.
"A legend moves on. Thank you for the unforgettable moments in the Theatres, and the invaluable lessons to actors. I still remember exactly how moved and inspired I felt after watching 'Prahaar'. There will be none other like you, sir. RIP."
Kangana Ranaut said the news was particularly shocking because Patekar appeared to be in good health.
"Such a terrible and tragic news especially because Nana ji looked so fit and healthy. OM Shanti," she wrote.
Known for his intensity and distinct style of dialogue delivery, Patekar graduated from small roles to become one of the most versatile leading men of his era.
He was born as Vishwanath Patekar into a Marathi family in Murud-Janjira in Raigad district. The actor often credited his father for encouraging his talent as a performer.
Patekar was known for his roles in several Hindi and Marathi films.
His notable Hindi movies include "Parinda", "Prahaar: The Final Act", "Tirangaa", "Krantiveer" and "Khamoshi: The Musical".
Patekar was a recipient of three National Film Awards, several Filmfare Awards, the Maharashtra State Film Award and Filmfare Awards Marathi.
He had also received Padma Shri, the country's fourth-highest civilian honour.
In 2018, Patekar was accused of sexual harassment by actor Tanushree Dutta on a movie set and the allegation led to the start of India's MeToo movement. An FIR was registered against the actor, who consistently denied the allegations. The case was later closed due to insufficient evidence.
Patekar is survived by his wife and son Malhar.