Bollywood veteran Nana Patekar passes away at 75

Indian veteran actor Vishwanath “Nana” Patekar has died at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa, according to Indian media reports.

Patekar reportedly complained of chest pain before he was found unconscious at his home. A medical team was called to the residence and attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before taking him to hospital.

Dr Shekhar Salkar, head of oncology at Manipal Hospital in Goa, said the actor was declared dead early Thursday. A medico-legal case has been registered, while authorities are expected to conduct a post-mortem examination.

Patekar was one of the most respected performers in Indian cinema, with a career spanning nearly five decades. He made his film debut in 1978 with Gaman and subsequently established himself in both Hindi and Marathi films.

He appeared in several acclaimed productions, including Mira Nair’s Academy Award-nominated Salaam Bombay!. His performances earned him three National Film Awards, including Best Actor for Krantiveer and Best Supporting Actor for Parinda and Agni Sakshi.

In recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema, Patekar received the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours, in 2013.

The actor also remained popular with younger audiences through his memorable portrayal of gangster Uday Shetty in the 2007 comedy film Welcome. His performance in the film became one of his most recognisable roles and introduced his work to a new generation of viewers.

Patekar’s career included work across Hindi and Marathi cinema, along with appearances in Tamil and Kannada productions. His death marks the loss of a versatile performer whose work continued to influence Indian cinema across generations.