Bollywood Actor Nana Patekar Dies At 75

Nana Patekar, the acclaimed Indian actor and filmmaker, has died at the age of 75.

Patekar died on Thursday at his home in Goa, in western India. The Press Trust of India news agency reported that he died of a suspected cardiac arrest, citing a doctor at the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Born in 1951 in Maharashtra, Patekar had a career spanning nearly five decades across Hindi- and Marathi-language cinema. He became known for his intense performances and his portrayal of complex and unconventional characters.

Patekar made his film debut in the 1978 Hindi movie “Gaman”. He went on to earn widespread acclaim for his performances in films including “Parinda” and “Krantiveer”.

His profile also grew internationally following his role in filmmaker Mira Nair’s Oscar-nominated film “Salaam Bombay!”

Throughout his career, Patekar received three National Film Awards, India’s highest film honours. He was also awarded the Padma Shri, one of the country’s highest civilian honours.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned Patekar’s death, describing the late actor’s “intensity, individuality and unmistakable presence” as defining qualities of his work.

“He brought remarkable versatility and creativity to every role and gave us characters that will be remembered for generations,” Modi wrote on X.

Patekar is survived by his wife and son.