‘Unmistakable presence’: PM Modi, leaders, Bollywood stars pay tribute to Nana Patekar

Veteran actor Nana Patekar died at the age of 75 on Thursday morning after suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. His death triggered an outpouring of tributes from political leaders and members of the film industry, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several prominent Bollywood actors remembering his distinctive screen presence and contribution to Indian cinema.

Patekar was found unconscious at his Goa residence and was taken to Manipal Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him for around 45 minutes. He was declared dead at about 5.20 am. Dr Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Department of Oncology at Manipal Hospital, said the actor could not be revived despite continuous CPR.

PM Modi recalls his intensity and unmistakable presence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Patekar's death had left a deep void in Hindi and Marathi cinema.

Taking to X, Modi remembered the actor's intensity, individuality and versatility, saying he had given audiences characters that would be remembered for generations.

“Few actors possessed the intensity, individuality and unmistakable presence that Shri Nana Patekar Ji had,” Modi wrote.

He also highlighted Patekar's creativity and his frank and forthright views, noting that the actor never hesitated to express what he believed in.

“Shri Nana Patekar’s contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema was immense. His passing leaves a deep void. My condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers. Om Shanti,” the prime minister wrote.

Fadnavis remembers a close friend and his social work

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described Patekar's death as a “massive shock to the heart” and recalled his close friendship with the actor.

Fadnavis said Patekar had gifted an entire era to Marathi and Hindi cinema, adding that his image as a patriot had particularly resonated with audiences.

Referring to films including Krantiveer and Natsamrat, Fadnavis said the actor had created a powerful and masterful tapestry of performances that had no equal.

“Thus, his departure as an actor is a profound loss,” he wrote on X.

Fadnavis also remembered Patekar's contribution outside cinema. He said the actor supported the Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan and, along with actor Makarand Anaspure, established the Naam Foundation and worked in villages.

Patekar's work for farmers and rural communities was also highlighted by several other leaders following his death.

Rajnath Singh calls Patekar an institution

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid tribute to the actor, recalling his ability to move effortlessly between intense drama and comedy.

“Few actors possessed his extraordinary versatility and intensity,” Singh wrote on social media.

He cited films such as Ankush, Prahaar and Krantiveer, saying Patekar brought a rawness and gravitas to his characters that made them unforgettable.

Singh also praised the actor's voice, screen presence and ability to inhabit completely different worlds, describing him as “not merely an actor” but “an institution in himself”.

“His remarkable contribution to Indian cinema will continue to inspire generations,” Singh wrote.

Suvendu Adhikari praises his 'fiery spirit'

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari also mourned Patekar's death, saying Indian cinema had lost one of its “fiercest, most genuine and irreplaceable voices”.

Adhikari recalled performances in Parinda, Krantiveer, Prahaar and Ab Tak Chhappan, saying Patekar brought raw and uncompromising truth to his characters.

“Nana Ji didn't merely play roles; he breathed raw, unapologetic truth into every character,” the BJP leader wrote.

Adhikari also highlighted Patekar's simplicity, humility and work for social causes and rural communities.

“Your voice, your fiery spirit and your towering legacy will remain etched in our hearts forever,” he wrote, offering condolences to Patekar's family, friends and millions of admirers worldwide.

Bollywood colleagues remember a one-of-a-kind performer

Patekar's death also prompted emotional tributes from several members of the film fraternity.

Akshay Kumar, who worked with Patekar in Welcome and Housefull 5, said he was deeply saddened by the actor's death and remembered his distinctive voice, intensity and honesty in every performance.

“It's hard to believe you're gone,” Kumar wrote, recalling the memories they shared on the sets of both films. He described Patekar as one of those rare actors who could command attention without having to do too much and called him “truly one of a kind”.

Riteish Deshmukh also expressed his shock, describing Patekar as an irreplaceable talent and a towering figure in acting. Deshmukh, who worked with him in Housefull 5, recalled their time together and expressed regret that they never got the opportunity to work together in a Marathi film.

Casting director Mukesh Chhabra wrote that he was “just shocked” by the news and remembered Patekar as Nana Bhai.

Other members of the film fraternity, including Jr NTR and Prakash Raj, also mourned the actor's death, remembering his authenticity, intensity and lasting influence on Indian cinema.

Other political leaders pay tribute

Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum and Natural Gas, also took to social media to bid adieu to Patekar.

BJP national general secretary Biplab Kumar Deb remembered the actor's performances in Ankush, Prahaar and Krantiveer, praising his distinctive voice and unmatched intensity.

“His remarkable contribution to Indian cinema will continue to inspire generations,” Deb wrote.

DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi also paid tribute, saying Patekar's powerful performances, distinctive presence and immense contribution to Hindi and regional cinema would remain etched in public memory.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar remembered Patekar's extraordinary talent, powerful screen presence and unforgettable performances.

He also highlighted the actor's compassion for farmers and commitment to serving society.

“My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers during this difficult time. Om Shanti,” Shivakumar said.

A legacy spanning Hindi, Marathi and regional cinema

Patekar's career spanned several decades and included acclaimed performances in both serious dramas and mainstream entertainers. He became known for an unmistakable voice, intense dialogue delivery and an ability to portray characters ranging from troubled protagonists to memorable comic figures.

His best-known films include Parinda, Krantiveer, Prahaar, Ankush, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Ab Tak Chhappan and Welcome, while his celebrated Marathi work included Natsamrat.

He was a three-time National Film Award winner and received the Padma Shri in 2013. He also worked as a writer and director during his long career.

Patekar's contribution extended beyond acting. His association with the Naam Foundation and work for farmers and drought-hit rural communities became an important part of his public life.

His death has therefore prompted tributes not only to one of Indian cinema's most distinctive performers but also to his social work and public engagement.

As tributes continue to pour in from politicians, colleagues and audiences, Patekar's decades-long body of work remains a defining part of Hindi and Marathi cinema.