CM, DyCM Mourn Nana Patekar’s Death; Maharashtra Orders State Funeral

Pune/Mumbai, 8th October 2026: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar on Thursday mourned the death of veteran actor Nana Patekar, describing his sudden demise as a major loss to Indian cinema and society. The state government has also ordered that Patekar be accorded a funeral with state honours.

Patekar, 75, died at around 5.20am on Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. Doctors attempted CPR for nearly 45 minutes but could not revive him. A medico-legal case has been registered and a post-mortem will be conducted.

Fadnavis, who described Patekar as a close friend, said his “sudden exit” was deeply shocking. He recalled the actor’s powerful journey from Krantiveer to Natsamrat, saying Patekar had given Marathi and Hindi cinema an entire era of memorable performances.

The chief minister also highlighted Patekar’s social work through Naam Foundation, which he co-founded with actor Makarand Anaspure. Fadnavis said Patekar had actively supported farmers and drought-relief initiatives, including the state’s Jalyukt Shivar campaign.

“Patekar was as large-hearted off screen as he was a towering actor on screen,” Fadnavis said, adding that his death was a major loss to both the artistic and social spheres.

Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar also paid tribute, saying Indian cinema and theatre had lost a versatile and sensitive performer. She recalled Patekar’s memorable roles in Natsamrat, Krantiveer and Parinda, and said his contribution through Naam Foundation would remain an inspiration.

Pawar also recalled the close personal ties between Patekar and the Pawar family, saying his death was a deeply personal loss.

Patekar, born Vishwanath Patekar, began his film career with Gaman in 1978 and went on to become one of the most distinctive performers in Hindi and Marathi cinema. His notable films included Parinda, Prahaar, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Ab Tak Chhappan, Welcome and Natsamrat. He won three National Film Awards and was conferred the Padma Shri in 2013.

Beyond acting, Patekar worked as a director and theatre artiste and remained closely associated with social causes, particularly farmers and drought-hit communities through Naam Foundation.