Thousands of people from various walks of life bid adieu to veteran actor Nana Patekar late on Thursday night as his mortal remains were consigned to flames at his farmhouse in Donje village in Pune district.
The last rites of the 75-year-old actor, who essayed many memorable roles on the silver screen, were performed with full state honours amid the chants of "Nana Amar Rahe" (Long Live Nana). Patekar's son Malhar lit the pyre.
According to his aides, Patekar had said in the past that he would like to be cremated at his farmhouse.
Actor dies of suspected heart attack
Patekar, known for earthy performances across diverse films such as ‘Krantiveer’ and ‘Khamoshi: The Musical’, died at his Goa home in the early hours of Thursday. He is suspected to have suffered a heart attack, doctors said.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid tributes to the actor at the Pune International Airport upon the arrival of his mortal remains from Goa in the evening.
Son Malhar vows to carry forward Naam Foundation’s work
Speaking after performing the last rites, Malhar said his father's only teaching was that people should unite and walk on the right path for the betterment of humanity.
"His work through the Naam Foundation (which works for farmers in drought-prone areas) was unparalleled and we will take it forward," Malhar added.
Political leaders and film personalities pay tribute
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, Union Ministers Ramdas Athawale and Murlidhar Mohol, state ministers Chandrakant Patil, Uday Samant and Madhuri Misal, Lok Sabha MP Sunil Tatkare, Naam Foundation co-founder and actor Makarand Anaspure, FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, actor Jackie Shroff, Sajid, filmmakers Anil Sharma and Sajid Nadiadwala, and several personalities from Bollywood, politics, sports and the social sector were present.