Nana Patekar, a celebrated Indian actor and filmmaker, passed away on Thursday at his residence in the state of Goa, India, at the age of 75. The cause of death was suspected to be a cardiac arrest, as reported by the Press Trust of India news agency, quoting a doctor from the hospital where he was declared deceased.
Born Vishawanath Patekar in 1951 in Maharashtra, India, he had a successful career in Hindi and Marathi cinema that spanned almost five decades. Known for his powerful and intricate portrayals, Patekar often took on challenging and non-traditional roles in his films.
Making his debut in the 1978 Hindi movie “Gaman,” Patekar later gained recognition for his performances in “Parinda” and “Krantiveer.” His international fame escalated in 1988 with the critically acclaimed “Salaam Bombay!” directed by Mira Nair. He was honored with three National Film Awards, the highest accolades in Indian cinema, and was bestowed with the Padma Shri, a prestigious civilian award in India.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, lauding Patekar for his exceptional acting skills, unique persona, and enduring impact on the industry. Modi remarked that Patekar’s diverse and innovative characters would be cherished for generations to come.
Despite his successful career, Patekar faced allegations of sexual harassment. In 2018, actor Tanushree Dutta accused him of misconduct during a film shoot in 2008, sparking a significant discussion within the Indian film fraternity and contributing to the #MeToo movement in the country. Subsequently, in 2019, the Mumbai police closed the investigation due to insufficient evidence to support the claims.
Nana Patekar is survived by his wife and one son.