Nana Patekar, a renowned Indian actor and filmmaker, passed away on Thursday at his residence in the coastal state of Goa at the age of 75. The cause of death is believed to be a cardiac arrest, as reported by the Press Trust of India based on information from a doctor at the hospital where he was declared deceased.
Born Vishawanath Patekar in 1951 in the state of Maharashtra, India, he had a successful career in Hindi and Marathi cinema that spanned almost five decades. Patekar was recognized for his powerful performances, often portraying intricate and unconventional characters.
He made his debut in the 1978 Hindi movie “Gaman” and later gained acclaim for his roles in “Parinda” and “Krantiveer.” His international prominence rose in 1988 with his appearance in Mira Nair’s Oscar-nominated film “Salaam Bombay!”
Throughout his career, Patekar achieved three National Film Awards, the highest film honors in India, and was honored with the Padma Shri, one of the nation’s most prestigious civilian awards.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on Patekar’s passing, commending his extraordinary talent and unique presence as an actor. Modi highlighted Patekar’s versatility and creativity in each role, creating characters that will leave a lasting impact for generations.
Despite his successful career, Patekar faced allegations of sexual harassment. In 2018, actress Tanushree Dutta accused him of inappropriate behavior and harassment on a film set in 2008. Patekar refuted the accusations, sparking a significant discussion within the Indian film industry and becoming a key focal point of the country’s #MeToo movement.
In 2019, the Mumbai police closed the investigation due to insufficient evidence to support the complaint. Patekar is survived by his wife and son.