Akshay Kumar, Alia Bhatt, Rajinikanth, Suniel Shetty and Riteish Deshmukh mourn the death of the acclaimed actor known for his powerful performances in Hindi and Marathi cinema

Mumbai/New Delhi — Bollywood is mourning the death of veteran actor and filmmaker Nana Patekar, who passed away in Goa on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75. Reports say he suffered a cardiac arrest after experiencing severe chest pain. He was later declared dead at a hospital in Goa.

Patekar’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief across India’s film industry, with actors, filmmakers, political leaders and fans remembering his distinctive acting style, powerful screen presence and decades-long contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema.

Actor Akshay Kumar expressed deep sadness over Nana Patekar’s death and recalled working with him in Welcome and Housefull 5.

Kumar praised Patekar as a rare performer whose presence and intensity could immediately capture an audience’s attention. He also remembered the veteran actor’s distinctive voice, honesty and commitment to his craft.

Akshay said he felt fortunate to have shared the screen with Patekar and described him as a one-of-a-kind actor whose loss would be deeply felt.

Alia Bhatt Remembers Nana Patekar

Alia Bhatt also paid tribute to the veteran actor, remembering his ability to make audiences laugh, cry and experience a wide range of emotions.

In a heartfelt social media message, Bhatt described Patekar as an incomparable performer and expressed her sorrow at his passing.

Rajinikanth Expresses Grief

South Indian superstar Rajinikanth also mourned the death of his longtime friend.

In his tribute, Rajinikanth expressed disbelief over Patekar’s passing and extended his condolences to the actor’s family and loved ones.

He prayed for the departed soul and remembered Patekar with affection.

Suniel Shetty: “There Was Only One Nana”

Actor Suniel Shetty described the news as “absolutely shocking” and praised Patekar for remaining grounded despite achieving enormous success.

Shetty highlighted the actor’s honesty, individuality and mastery of his craft.

“There was only one Nana. There will never be another,” Shetty wrote, while paying tribute to the veteran actor’s remarkable contribution to Indian cinema.

Riteish Deshmukh Calls It “The End of an Era”

Riteish Deshmukh also expressed profound grief following Nana Patekar’s death.

Deshmukh remembered him as an exceptional actor capable of playing a wide variety of characters, from larger-than-life heroes and frightening villains to understated comedy roles.

The two actors worked together in Bluffmaster and Housefull 5. Deshmukh also recalled Patekar’s kindness, wisdom and sense of humor, describing his death as the end of an era.

A Five-Decade Career in Indian Cinema

Nana Patekar built a career spanning nearly five decades in Hindi and Marathi cinema. He made his film debut in Gaman in 1978 and later earned widespread recognition for performances in films including Parinda and Krantiveer.

He also gained international recognition for his role in Mira Nair’s Oscar-nominated film Salaam Bombay!

Patekar was known for portraying intense, complex and unconventional characters. His work earned him three National Film Awards, while he was also honored with the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards. (The Washington Post)

His popular films included Natsamrat, Ab Tak Chhappan, Welcome, Raajneeti, Taxi No. 9211 and Housefull 5. (Kathmandu Post)

Beyond Cinema

Patekar was also known for his social work. He co-founded the Naam Foundation, which has worked on issues affecting farmers and rural communities.

His contribution extended beyond acting, and several tributes following his death highlighted his humanitarian work and commitment to social causes.

An Era Ends

Nana Patekar’s death marks the loss of one of the most distinctive voices and performers in Indian cinema.

From serious dramas and socially conscious films to comedy and mainstream Bollywood productions, he developed a style that was difficult to imitate and earned him generations of admirers.

As tributes continue to pour in from across the film industry, colleagues and fans are remembering Nana Patekar not only as an acclaimed actor but also as a performer whose intensity and individuality left a lasting mark on Indian cinema.

Key Points

• Veteran actor Nana Patekar died in Goa on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75 after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest.
• Akshay Kumar, Alia Bhatt, Rajinikanth, Suniel Shetty and Riteish Deshmukh were among the stars who paid emotional tributes to the veteran actor.
• Patekar leaves behind a nearly five-decade cinematic legacy, including three National Film Awards and the Padma Shri. (The Washington Post)