Mumbai, Oct 8 (PTI) Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, Manisha Koirala, Madhuri Dixit, Alia Bhatt and several other cine personalities across industries on Thursday expressed shock at the sudden death of Nana Patekar, remembering the actor for his fearless personality and distinctive screen presence.
The 76-year-old actor died in the early hours of Thursday after suffering a heart attack. He was found unconscious at his Goa apartment and was taken to a private hospital where he was declared dead.
“I can’t believe my dear friend Nanaji is no longer with us. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace,” Rajinikanth posted on X.
Akshay, who famously worked with Nana in the 2007 comedy blockbuster “Welcome” where the veteran actor’s character of don Uday Shetty earned him an ardent fanbase, said he was deeply saddened by the actor’s passing.
“He was one of those rare actors who never needed to do too much to make you sit up and watch. That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance… he was completely his own,” Akshay wrote in a post on X.
“There are so many memories from those sets that I’ll always hold close. Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It’s hard to believe you’re gone. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say,” said the actor, who last collaborated with Nana for 2025’s “Housefull 5”.
Manisha Koirala, who worked with Nana on acclaimed movies “Khamoshi: The Musical” and “Agni Sakshi”, said she is saddened by his demise.
“A remarkable presence and a true stalwart of the craft. His contribution to cinema and his dedication to his craft will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace,” she said.
Paresh Rawal, another co-star from “Welcome”, posted, on X, “Bhau… Nana Saheb.
Insanely honest and intense. Love and respect for ever.”
Sunny said though he never shared the screen space with Nana, he will forever miss the actor.
“Still can’t believe Nana is not among us… We always shared a very special bond that went back many years. Fearless, full of life, he always did what he wanted to do. That’s how I’ll always remember him. Will miss you, Nana,” he wrote.
In a post on her Instagram Stories, Alia said Nana was one of a kind.
“Farewell, Nana Sir. You’ve made the world laugh, cry, and feel so much more in between,” she said.
Calling Patekar a “legend”, Madhavan said he was deeply moved and inspired by his performance in the 1991 critically-acclaimed movie film “Prahaar: The Final Attack”.
“A legend moves on. Thank you for the unforgettable moments in the Theatres, and the invaluable lessons to actors. I still remember exactly how moved and inspired I felt after watching ‘Prahaar’. There will be none other like you, sir. RIP,” Madhavan said on his Instagram Stories.
Anupam Kher, who is currently in the US, said Nana’s sudden death was “incredibly difficult” to accept.
“Direct, unpretentious, with his own way of saying even the most difficult things. I will miss you, my friend. Your warmth. Your hugs.”
“Parinda” co-star Madhuri Dixit remembered Nana as a “great artist, an influential personality and an unforgettable voice”.
“With Nana Patekar’s passing, the film industry has lost a truly priceless and legendary artist. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones,” she said on Instagram.
Raveena Tandon said she shared a wonderful rapport, built on mutual respect, warmth and genuine fondness.
“He was truly lionhearted — courageous, strong and generous in spirit. I will always cherish the memories of the time we spent working together. I particularly remember the scene in ‘Mustafa’, where his insight and understanding helped me immensely in bringing a certain nuance and depth to my performance in that situation. I will always be grateful to him for that.”
Sanjay Dutt said Nana’s death is a huge loss to the film industry.
“It’s still hard to believe that my brother, my friend Nana, is no longer with us. I have so many fond memories of the time we spent together, memories I will always hold close… We have lost a remarkable actor, a great artist and a truly special human being.”
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma said, “YES, everybody knows nobody is immortal .. But I still can’t believe this can so suddenly happen to a man , as strong as him .. I hate his heart for failing him and I feel like killing GOD for killing the GOD of acting, NANA PATEKAR.”
Farhan Akhtar said Nana’s demise has left a void that will be deeply felt, adding that while the veteran actor will be missed, he will never be forgotten.
“His work in the arts and his commitment to social causes remain an inspiration to us all,” he added.
Manoj Bajpayee said Nana’s journey in cinema had inspired many aspiring actors who came to Mumbai hoping to make a career in films.
“He made you believe that your craft, your individuality and being true to who you are could be enough to make your own place. We have lost one of our finest actors.
You will be deeply missed,” he said.
Kangana Ranaut said the news was particularly shocking because Patekar appeared to be in good health.
“Such terrible and tragic news especially because Nana ji looked so fit and healthy. OM Shanti,” she wrote.
Ranveer Singh and Kiara Advani paid tribute to Patekar by sharing a photograph of him on her Instagram Stories.
Hrithik Roshan said he will always seek inspiration from Nana’s “hard-hitting performances, effortless comic timing and unforgettable characters”.
“Rest in peace, dear Nana sir. Thank you for giving us such authentic and entertaining cinema… Watching your genius on screen while growing up was a masterclass,” he said.
Imtiaz Ali posted a photo of Nana on Instagram and wrote, “The artist lives forever.”
Considered among Indian cinema’s most acclaimed actors, Patekar made his screen debut in “Gaman” (1978). His breakthrough came with “Parinda” (1989), which won him the National Award and the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.
His film credits also included movies such as “Angaar”, “Apaharan”, “Krantiveer”, “Agni Sakshi”, “Ab Tak Chhappan”, “Raajneeti” and the Marathi film “Natsamrat”. He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2013. PTI RB RB BK
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