Nana Patekar, a renowned Indian actor and filmmaker, passed away at the age of 75 in his residence in Goa, India. According to reports from the Press Trust of India, Patekar is believed to have died from a heart attack, as confirmed by a doctor at the hospital where he was declared deceased.
Born Vishawanath Patekar in 1951 in Maharashtra, India, he enjoyed a successful career spanning almost fifty years in both Hindi and Marathi cinema. Patekar was celebrated for his powerful performances, often portraying intricate and unconventional characters.
Debuting in the 1978 Hindi movie “Gaman,” Patekar later gained recognition for his roles in “Parinda” and “Krantiveer.” His international fame escalated in 1988 with his appearance in Mira Nair’s Oscar-nominated film “Salaam Bombay!”
Throughout his career, Patekar received three National Film Awards, the highest film accolades in India, and was honored with the Padma Shri, one of the nation’s most prestigious civilian awards.
Following his passing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, commending Patekar’s unique acting style, intensity, and iconic presence on the screen. Modi praised Patekar for his versatility and ability to create memorable characters that would endure for generations.
Although Patekar’s career was illustrious, it was also marred by accusations of sexual harassment. In 2018, actress Tanushree Dutta accused him of inappropriate behavior and harassment during the filming of a movie in 2008, sparking a significant conversation within India’s film industry and contributing to the #MeToo movement in the country.
Despite the allegations, Patekar vehemently denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, Mumbai police closed their investigation due to insufficient evidence to support the claims made against him.
Nana Patekar is survived by his wife and son, leaving behind a legacy of iconic performances and contributions to Indian cinema.