Nana Patekar Biography: The Legendary Actor Who Redefined Intense Performances

Bollywood’s veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away this morning at 5:20 AM after suffering from a massive cardiac arrest. Even though he was immediately shifted to nearby hospital, he was declared dead despite doctors trying to revive his heartbeat by doing CPR for 45 minutes. Along with PM Modi, most of the Indian celebrities have paid their last tributes to this legendary actor through social media.

Nana Patekar being one of the India’s finest actors, he needs no introduction. His versatile and powerful roles on the big screens are enough to make a place in the hearts of audiences. How can one forget his unique dialogue delivery, intense expressions and realistic performances? Right from main antagonist roles to the comedy characters, he essayed every role with much ease and proved his versatility time and again.

Nana Patekar was born as Vishwanath Patekar on 1st January, 1951 in Murud-Janjira, Maharashtra. He studied at Sir J. J. School of Art in Mumbai and thus developed interest in theatre at his very young age. This eventually gave him the best experience to foray onto the big screens.

Nana Patekar made his debut with Gaman movie in 1978 and then continued to act in a few Marathi and Hindi movies. He slowly grabbed the attention of filmmakers with his amazing screen presence. Later movies like Aaj Ki Awaz, Ankush, Pratighaat, Andha Yudh and Mohre and Ankush that gave his career a major boost and established him as an actor in Bollywood.

But Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Parinda gave him the biggest break in 1989 as he delivered a magical performance on the big screens as Anna. He also bagged National Award for Best Supporting Actor for this movie.

Then in 1991, he directed and starred in Prahaar: The Final Attack, later came Krantiveer in 1994, which became another landmark in his career. For this movie also he bagged the prestigious National Film Award for Best Actor category.

Nana Patekar continued his successful journey with movies like Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Ghulam-E-Mustafa, Yeshwant, Bhoot, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan and Raajneeti movies.

Ther after, his role in Welcome movie also added that humor angle to his career. One of his most celebrated performances came with the Marathi movie Natsamrat in 2016. He played Ganpat Belwalkar, a retired stage actor struggling with life after leaving the theatre.

Awards And Achievements:

National Film Awards:

• Best Actor: Krantiveer (1994)

• Best Supporting Actor: Parinda (1989)

• Best Supporting Actor: Agni Sakshi (1996)

Filmfare Awards:

• Best Actor: Krantiveer (1995)

• Best Supporting Actor: Parinda (1990)

• Best Villain: Angaar (1993)

• Best Villain: Apaharan (2006)

• Filmfare Marathi Award (Best Actor): Natsamrat(2017)

Civilian and Other Honors:

• Padma Shri: Awarded by the Government of India in 2013 for his contributions to the arts and cinema.

• BFJA Awards: Best Actor (Hindi) for Ab Tak Chhappan (2005) and Best Supporting Actor (Hindi) for Angaar (1993).

• IIFA Awards: Best Performance in a Negative Role for Apaharan (2006).

Nana Patekar’s Personal Life

Nana Patekar tied the knot with Neelkanti Patekar in 1978. Well, they first met during their theatre days and gradually fell in love. The couple is blessed with two sons Durvasa Patekar and Malhar Patekar. Although Neelkanti worked as a bank officer, she was associated with theatre. She stood by his side during the struggling days. However, later they started living separately but maintained mutual respect and understanding.

But well, legends never really leave us! Nana Patekar will always remain one of the most distinctive performers in Indian cinema.

RIP Nana Patekar Ji… Your performances will always remain immortal!