Nana Patekar dies at 75: Remembering the intense performer who defined generations
Veteran actor and filmmaker Nana Patekar, who was known for his larger-than-life performances on screen and stage, died at his home in Goa on Thursday after he suffered a heart attack. He was 75. His son, Malhar Patekar, confirmed his death while the hospital he was taken to mentioned that he was kept alive for nearly 45 minutes.
Born Vishwanath Patekar in Maharashtra in 1951, the veteran actor carved a niche for himself in Hindi and Marathi film industries as well as theatre. He made his film debut in 1978 with Gaman and went on to deliver some of the most power-packed performances in Indian cinema as well as do some fantastic theatre plays. His performances in movies like Parinda and Krantiveer, the latter of which earned him the National Award for Best Supporting Actor, saw him rise to stardom. He won three National Film Awards in his lifetime, the last of which was in 2013 when he was awarded the Padma Shri.
Nana was also a film director, having directed Prahaar: The Final Attack, where he also starred as Major Subrata Chouhan. He has appeared in Marathi films like Natsamrat, which saw him deliver one of his most enduring performances as Ganpatrao Belwalkar. He was also a part of Hindi films like Agni Sakshi, Ab Tak Chhappan, Khamoshi: The Musical, Apaharan, Raajneeti, Welcome, among others. He essayed the role of Uday Shetty in Welcome, which saw him bring levity to the screen in contrast to his intimidating roles as villains and gangsters. In addition to his work in Marathi and Hindi film industries, he was also a part of charity work and took care of the needs of farmers through his Naam Foundation. Maharashtra government declared that a state funeral will be held in his honour.
Nana Patekar was a force of nature. He had a career that saw him portray an array of characters, from villains to gangsters to policemen to soldiers to theatre legends. He had an iconic voice, a certain kind of gravitas about him that made him stand out in Hindi cinema. His work in films and theatre will be greatly missed.