Nana Patekar, born Vishwanath Patekar on January 1, 1951, in Murud-Janjira, Maharashtra, became one of Indian cinema’s most respected actors. He worked across Hindi and Marathi cinema as an actor, writer and filmmaker.Nana Patekar passed away on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75, as reported by ANI. His career spanned more than four decades and included acclaimed dramatic performances, commercial successes and memorable comic roles.See More: Nana Patekar passes away: PM Modi hails veteran star’s contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema
Nana Patekar’s early years and film career
Nana Patekar made his Hindi film debut with ‘Gaman’ in 1978. He subsequently appeared in several Marathi and Hindi productions, gradually establishing himself through intense supporting performances. His work in films such as ‘Aaj Ki Awaz’, ‘Ankush’, ‘Pratighaat’, ‘Andha Yudh’, ‘Mohre’, ‘Trishagni’ and ‘Sagar Sangam’ brought him wider recognition. His performance in ‘Andha Yudh’ also earned him his first Filmfare Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. In 1986, Nana Patekar portrayed Nathuram Godse in the British television series ‘Lord Mountbatten: The Last Viceroy’. His international recognition grew after he appeared in the Academy Award-nominated ‘Salaam Bombay!’ in 1988.
National Awards and memorable performances
Nana Patekar’s reputation as a powerful performer strengthened during the 1990s. He starred in films including ‘Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman’, ‘Angaar’, ‘Tirangaa’, ‘Krantiveer’, ‘Agni Sakshi’ and ‘Khamoshi: The Musical’. His performance in ‘Angaar’ earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Villain. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor for ‘Krantiveer’ and another National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for ‘Agni Sakshi’. His later work included ‘Shakti: The Power’, ‘Ab Tak Chhappan’, ‘Apaharan’, ‘Taxi No. 9211’ and ‘Raajneeti’. He reached a different section of the audience with his portrayal of gangster Uday Shetty in ‘Welcome’ and ‘Welcome Back’. In 2016, Nana Patekar received acclaim for ‘Natsamrat’. He played a retired stage actor in the Marathi film. The actor received the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to cinema and the arts. His honors also included three National Film Awards and two Maharashtra State Film Awards.
Nana Patekar’s simple lifestyle and love for villages
Despite his success, Nana Patekar was known for maintaining a relatively modest lifestyle. He spent much of his adult life in a one-bedroom apartment in Andheri, Mumbai, as reported by News 18. The roughly 750-square-foot home was reportedly bought for about Rs 1.1 lakh decades ago. Its estimated value later rose to around Rs 3 crore. He also owned properties in Goa and Pune. Reports said his largest property was a 27-acre farmhouse in Khadakwasla near Pune. Nana Patekar once explained his preference for village life during an appearance on ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ with Amitabh Bachchan. “I don’t belong to the industry,” Patekar said, in Hindi. “I come here, work and run back. I’ve never gone to parties here. It never suited me. I’m from the villages and I’ll remain there. That’s where I feel good.” He also spoke about keeping his needs limited. “When your needs are limited, life becomes very easy,” he said. Describing the surroundings of his village home, he added, “Here, we have hills: hills on this side, hills on that side, hills on all sides, and we sit in the middle.”
Nana Patekar’s Army connection and final appearance
Nana Patekar’s association with the Indian Army went beyond his film roles. He trained with the Maratha Light Infantry for three years while preparing for ‘Prahaar: The Final Attack’. He was later given an honorary Captain’s rank in the Territorial Army. During the Kargil War in 1999, he obtained special permission from then Defence Minister George Fernandes to spend time near the Line of Control.Nana Patekar spent more than two weeks there as part of a Quick Reaction Team. According to his account to The Lallantop, he lost around 20 kg during the experience. His final public appearance came on October 4, just days before his death. He attended the Samraat Club International installation ceremony in Dona Paula, Goa.During the event, he spoke about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his friendship with former Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. He also reflected on mortality, purpose and the uncertainty surrounding life. Nana Patekar remembered Manohar Parrikar as a close friend. He spoke about the former chief minister’s commitment to public service and recalled his willingness to personally get involved in difficult situations. The actor questioned whether life should be limited to looking after one’s family. He also spoke about the importance of contributing to society.
Nana Patekar’s family and personal losses
Nana Patekar experienced financial difficulties during his childhood. Reports said his family’s business was taken over by an acquaintance when he was 13. He later painted movie posters in Chunabhatti and reportedly earned Rs 35 a month. His father died of a heart attack when Nana Patekar was 28. The actor also faced the loss of his elder son, Durvasa, who died at the age of two and a half. Nana Patekar is survived by his son, Malhar. From a difficult childhood to becoming a National Award-winning performer, Nana Patekar’s journey remained closely linked to cinema, theatre, rural life and social responsibility.
