Veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar has died at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa, according to Indian media reports.
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Patekar was reportedly experiencing chest pain when a medical team was called to his residence. Doctors found the actor unconscious and attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation before taking him to hospital, according to reports quoting Dr. Shekhar Salkar of Manipal Hospital in Goa.
The actor was pronounced dead early Thursday. Authorities have reportedly registered a medico-legal case, with a post-mortem examination expected to be conducted as part of the formal procedure.
Patekar was regarded as one of the most versatile performers in Indian cinema, with a career spanning nearly five decades. He worked extensively in Hindi and Marathi films and also appeared in productions in other Indian languages.
He made his film debut in 1978 with Gaman and gradually established himself through powerful performances in both mainstream and critically acclaimed cinema.
Among his notable films was Mira Nair’s Salaam Bombay!, which received an Academy Award nomination. Patekar later earned three National Film Awards for his performances, including Best Supporting Actor for Parinda and Agni Sakshi, and Best Actor for Krantiveer.
India honoured Patekar with the Padma Shri in 2013 in recognition of his contribution to the arts.
A new generation of audiences also embraced the actor for his memorable portrayal of gangster Uday Shetty in the 2007 comedy film Welcome. The character became one of his most widely recognised roles and introduced his work to many younger viewers.
Patekar’s death marks the loss of a prominent figure whose performances crossed the boundaries of commercial and parallel Indian cinema.
