Nana Patekar, a renowned Indian actor and filmmaker, passed away on Thursday at his residence in Goa at the age of 75. According to reports from the Press Trust of India, Patekar is believed to have died from a heart attack, as confirmed by a medical professional at the hospital where he was declared deceased.
Born Vishawanath Patekar in 1951 in Maharashtra, India, he established a successful career in both Hindi and Marathi cinema over a span of almost five decades. Patekar was widely recognized for his powerful performances and his portrayal of intricate and non-traditional characters.
His entry into the film industry was marked by his debut in the 1978 Hindi movie “Gaman,” after which he gained critical acclaim for his roles in “Parinda” and “Krantiveer.” Patekar achieved international fame in 1988 through his role in Mira Nair’s Oscar-nominated film “Salaam Bombay!”
Having received three National Film Awards, the highest film accolades in India, and being honored with the Padma Shri, one of the nation’s most prestigious civilian awards, Patekar’s contributions to the film industry were widely acknowledged.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over Patekar’s demise, lauding the actor for his unique presence and dedication to his craft. Modi commended Patekar’s versatility and innovative approach to character portrayal, emphasizing that his legacy will endure for generations.
While Patekar’s career was illustrious, it was also marred by allegations of sexual misconduct. In 2018, actress Tanushree Dutta accused him of inappropriate behavior and harassment on a film set in 2008, which sparked a significant conversation within India’s film community and became a focal point of the #MeToo movement in the country.
Despite the allegations, Patekar denied any wrongdoing. The incident led to a broader discussion on sexual harassment in the industry. In 2019, Mumbai police closed the investigation due to insufficient evidence to support the claims made against Patekar.
Nana Patekar is survived by his wife and their son.