Veteran Actor Nana Patekar Dies at 75 After Cardiac Arrest in Goa

Veteran actor Nana Patekar, known for his powerful performances across Hindi and Marathi cinema, died at the age of 75 in Goa on Thursday, October 8, 2026, after suffering a severe cardiac arrest. Doctors attempted to revive him for around 45 minutes before he was declared dead at 5.20 am.( File Photo)

Acclaimed actor was found unconscious at his Dona Paula residence; doctors attempted CPR for about 45 minutes before he was declared dead at 5.20 am

Key Highlights

• Nana Patekar died in Goa on Thursday morning at the age of 75.
• He suffered a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula.
• Doctors attempted continuous CPR for around 45 minutes but could not revive him.
• A medico-legal case has been registered and a post-mortem examination is to be conducted.
• Patekar leaves behind an acclaimed body of work spanning Hindi and Marathi cinema.

Mumbai/Goa: Veteran actor Nana Patekar, whose intense performances, unmistakable voice and distinctive dialogue delivery made him one of Indian cinema’s most recognisable performers, died in Goa early Thursday morning. He was 75.

Patekar suffered a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula and was found unconscious before being taken to Manipal Hospital. He was declared dead at 5.20 am on October 8, according to Dr Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Department of Oncology at Manipal Hospital.

Doctors attempted to revive the actor through continuous cardiopulmonary resuscitation for approximately 45 minutes, but the efforts were unsuccessful. Dr Salkar told ANI that a medico-legal case had been registered and a post-mortem examination would be conducted.

The actor’s son, Malhar Patekar, also confirmed his father’s death, according to reports.

A Voice and Acting Style Difficult to Imitate

Patekar’s death brings to a close a remarkable career that stretched across nearly five decades and moved comfortably between Hindi and Marathi cinema.

Born Vishwanath Patekar, he entered Hindi cinema with Gaman in 1978 and gradually established himself as an actor capable of portraying aggression, vulnerability, humour and moral conflict with equal force.

His performances in films including Parinda, Prahaar, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan and the Marathi film Natsamrat became important milestones in his career.

Patekar was not an actor who depended upon conventional screen glamour. His clipped dialogue delivery, sudden changes of tone and ability to communicate anger without theatrical excess developed into a style distinctly his own.

That intensity made some of his dramatic roles memorable, while films such as Welcome revealed another side of the performer—his ability to turn the same stern screen personality towards comedy.

National Awards and Padma Shri

Patekar received three National Film Awards during his career and was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to the arts.

His association with cinema also went beyond acting. He wrote, directed and acted in Prahaar, a film remembered for its portrayal of military discipline and the relationship between a soldier and civilian society.

Away from cinema, Patekar was associated with philanthropic work, including initiatives aimed at supporting farmers through the Naam Foundation.

His final years did not mark a complete retreat from public life or cinema. Reports said he had attended an event in Goa only days before his death.

From the volatile underworld figure of Parinda to the uncompromising protagonist of Krantiveer, the disciplined officer of Prahaar, the encounter specialist of Ab Tak Chhappan and the unexpectedly comic Uday Shetty of Welcome, Patekar created characters across genres without losing the individuality that audiences immediately associated with him.

His death leaves Indian cinema without one of its most distinctive voices.