The film industry is in mourning following the passing of legendary actor Nana Patekar, who died on Thursday at the age of 75 after suffering a severe cardiac arrest. The veteran star, known for his iconic roles in films like Parinda, Krantiveer, and Natsamrat, was rushed to Manipal Hospital where medical teams fought for 45 minutes to revive him. Dr. Shekhar Salkar confirmed that the actor had reached out to a friend complaining of feeling unwell at 2:30 am, leading to his hospitalization shortly after.
Among those paying tribute is BJP leader and actor Smriti Irani, who shared a poignant look into their long-standing friendship. Taking to social media, she shared a video of the late actor cooking fish for her, revealing the personal side of a man the world knew as a cinematic powerhouse. Irani, who affectionately called him “Dada,” recalled his gruff exterior that hid a deeply warm and generous heart. She noted that their conversations were always informal and frequent, often involving him mentoring young talent she introduced to him over the phone.
Reflecting on their final interaction, Irani shared that the actor had invited her to visit him in Pune. “‘Aa re Pune, kadhi yeshil?’ (Come to Pune, when will you visit?) I said, ‘Soon.’ Guess it was not soon enough,” she wrote, bidding a final farewell to her friend. The pair rarely took photos together, a regret she expressed as she now holds onto the memories of his kindness and his culinary skills.
Nana Patekar’s career spanned decades, beginning with his 1978 debut in Gaman. He became a force in both Hindi and Marathi cinema, delivering unforgettable performances in classics like Prahar, Angaar, Tiranga, and Ab Tak Chhappan. His recent professional engagements included appearances in Housefull 5 and Vishal Bhardwaj’s O’Romeo alongside Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, ensuring his legacy remains etched in the hearts of audiences across generations.