Nana Patekar, a renowned Indian actor and filmmaker, passed away at the age of 75 in his residence in Goa, a state in western India. The news of his demise was confirmed by a doctor at the hospital where he was declared dead due to a suspected cardiac arrest.
Born as Vishwanath Patekar in 1951 in Maharashtra, India, Patekar had a successful career in both Hindi and Marathi cinema that spanned almost five decades. He was known for his powerful performances that often depicted intricate and unconventional characters.
Patekar entered the film industry with his debut in the 1978 Hindi movie “Gaman” and later gained critical acclaim for his roles in “Parinda” and “Krantiveer.” His international recognition soared in 1988 when he starred in Mira Nair’s Oscar-nominated film “Salaam Bombay!”
Throughout his career, Patekar received three National Film Awards, the highest film accolades in India, and was honored with the Padma Shri, one of the nation’s most prestigious civilian awards.
Following his passing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Patekar, commending his unique acting style and impactful presence on screen. Modi praised Patekar’s versatility and creativity in portraying characters that would be remembered for years to come.
Despite his successful career, Patekar faced allegations of sexual harassment. In 2018, actress Tanushree Dutta accused him of inappropriate behavior during the filming of a movie in 2008, sparking a significant conversation within the Indian film industry and contributing to the country’s #MeToo movement.
In 2019, Mumbai police concluded their investigation, citing insufficient evidence to support the allegations against Patekar. He is survived by his wife and son.