Veteran actor Nana Patekar was cremated with full state honours at his native Donje village near Pune, a day after he died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 75. His son Malhar Patekar lit the funeral pyre, and said his father’s social work through the Naam Foundation will continue. Here is what we know about his death, the farewell and the legacy he leaves behind.
Key facts
- Died: Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 75, after a severe cardiac arrest in Goa.
- Time: 5:20 am, according to Dr Shekhar Salkar of Manipal Hospital; CPR went on for about 45 minutes.
- Last rites: With state honours at Donje village (Paygude Wadi farmhouse), Pune district.
- Son: Malhar Patekar lit the pyre.
- Honours: Padma Shri (2013), three National Film Awards, Filmfare and Maharashtra State awards.
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How Nana Patekar died
According to Dr Shekhar Salkar of Manipal Hospital in Goa, Patekar suffered a severe cardiac arrest early on Thursday morning and was declared dead at 5:20 am after about 45 minutes of CPR. Friends and a caretaker were with him at the time. A medico-legal case was registered and a post-mortem was carried out at Goa Medical College, as is standard in such cases.
Early reports differed on some details, such as whether he died at his Goa home or in hospital. We have used the account given by the treating doctor.
State funeral in Pune: Malhar Patekar lights the pyre
His body was taken to his farmhouse at Paygude Wadi in Donje village, Pune district, where the Maharashtra government gave him a state funeral. Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said the honour recognised his contribution to Marathi theatre and to Marathi and Hindi cinema. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid his respects in Pune.
Speaking to reporters, Malhar Patekar said his father’s work had made him immortal and that the Naam Foundation’s work with farmers would carry on. He added that his father had recently spoken about new work planned in Marathwada.
Tributes pour in
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, who called the death an “irreparable loss” to the world of art, Nitin Gadkari, Rahul Gandhi and several chief ministers paid tribute. From the film world, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Mohanlal, Anupam Kher and many others posted condolences. Cricketers Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan also paid tribute.
A career of anger, honesty and unforgettable roles
Born on January 1, 1951, in Maharashtra, Nana Patekar made his Hindi film debut in Gaman (1978) and became known for intense, fearless performances. He was also a strong presence on the Marathi stage and screen.
| Film | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Parinda (1989) | His chilling villain role made him a star |
| Prahaar (1991) | He also directed this army drama |
| Krantiveer (1994) | His famous courtroom-style monologue is still quoted |
| Ab Tak Chhappan (2004) | A defining encounter-cop role |
| Welcome (2007) | Proved his comic timing as Uday Shetty |
| Natsamrat (2016) | A landmark Marathi film performance |
| Sankalp | His last screen work, a web series directed by Prakash Jha |
The Naam Foundation: his work off screen
In 2015 Patekar co-founded the Naam Foundation with fellow actor Makarand Anaspure to help drought-hit farmers and their families in Maharashtra, especially in Marathwada and Vidarbha. The foundation also worked with soldiers’ families. Many fans say this work is as much his legacy as his films.
Frequently asked questions
When did Nana Patekar die?
Nana Patekar died on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the age of 75.
What was the cause of Nana Patekar’s death?
Doctors said he died after a severe cardiac arrest in Goa. CPR was given for about 45 minutes.
Where was Nana Patekar’s funeral?
His last rites were held with state honours at his farmhouse in Donje village, Pune district. His son Malhar lit the pyre.
What is the Naam Foundation?
A charity Nana Patekar co-founded with actor Makarand Anaspure to help drought-hit farmers in Maharashtra.