‘Love you, Bala’ were Nana Patekar's final words to friend Tukaram Mundhe

Veteran actor Nana Patekar died at the age of 75 on Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. He was found unconscious in the early hours and was taken to Manipal Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him for around 45 minutes. He was declared dead at about 5.20am.

Dr Shekhar Salkar, chief of the oncology department at Manipal Hospital, said Patekar remained in asystole during the resuscitation attempt. A medico-legal case has been registered and his body was sent to Goa Medical College for a post-mortem.

Patekar's son, Malhar, confirmed his death. According to details released by the family and hospital, the actor had complained of severe chest pain before he became unresponsive. He had also messaged a friend at around 2.30am saying he was unwell. The friend saw the message later and reached Patekar's residence at around 4am, where he found the actor sweating and gasping.

Tukaram Mundhe remembers final conversation

As tributes poured in from the film industry and fans, Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe remembered Patekar as not only an exceptional actor but also a close friend.

Mundhe shared a photograph of Patekar on X and revealed that they had spoken just eight days before his death.

"Nana Patekar is no more. I have lost not merely an exceptional artist, but an extraordinary human being and a dear friend, someone whose warmth and affection touched everyone around him. We spoke just eight days ago. I could never have imagined that it would be our last conversation. His last words to me were: 'Love you, Bala.' Those words will stay with me for the rest of my life," Mundhe wrote.

He added that some people leave behind memories while a few leave behind a part of themselves in the lives of others.

"Some people leave behind memories. A few leave behind a part of themselves in our lives. Nana was one of them. Goodbye, my friend. You will be deeply missed, and forever remembered," Mundhe said.

A career spanning more than four decades

Patekar's career in theatre and cinema spanned more than four decades. He became known for an intense screen presence and powerful performances, establishing himself as one of the most distinctive actors of his generation.

His filmography included acclaimed performances in Parinda, Salaam Bombay, Krantiveer, Agneepath, Ab Tak Chhappan and The Attacks of 26/11.

His work in serious and gritty dramas was balanced by a strong comic presence in mainstream cinema. In Welcome, he played the memorable character Uday Shetty, demonstrating his ability to bring humour and warmth to a commercial film. The performance won him a new generation of fans.

Patekar also directed Prahaar: The Final Attack and was associated with theatre throughout his career. His contribution to Indian cinema was recognised with the Padma Shri in 2013.

Patekar remained active in his final years

Despite his long career, Patekar continued to work in films in recent years.

He appeared in Housefull 5, alongside Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan and Riteish Deshmukh. He also played a police officer in Vishal Bhardwaj's O' Romeo, starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri.

Patekar also made a cameo appearance in Subedar, which stars Anil Kapoor and Radhika Madan.

His last public appearance came on October 4 at an event organised by Samraat Club International in Dona Paula, Goa. A video from the event surfaced after his death.

Tributes pour in after actor's death

Patekar's death prompted tributes from colleagues, public figures and fans across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several members of the film industry paid tribute to the veteran actor, remembering his contribution to Indian cinema.

Maharashtra is also set to honour Patekar with a state funeral, with his cremation scheduled to take place at his Pune farmhouse.

With his death, Indian cinema has lost an actor whose career moved across Marathi and Hindi theatre and films, spanning intense dramatic roles, socially driven cinema and mainstream comedy.