Nana Patekar dies at 75: Akshay Kumar, Jr NTR and others mourn legendary actor

The sudden death of veteran actor Nana Patekar at the age of 75 has left the Indian film fraternity in shock. Patekar died following a cardiac arrest, with several actors and filmmakers taking to social media to remember the acclaimed performer and his enduring contribution to Indian cinema.
Riteish Deshmukh, who worked with Patekar in ‘Bluffmaster’ and ‘Housefull 5’, said he was struggling to process the news. Remembering the veteran actor’s remarkable versatility and his work away from the camera, Riteish described his death as a devastating loss.
I am shocked beyond words. Feels like a truck has hit me. Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Nana Patekar ji. An actor par excellence, incomparable to anyone, he carved his place in people’s hearts with his own unique style and brand of acting. There wasn’t a role or a… pic.twitter.com/8mmU9ipyoY
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) October 8, 2026
Riteish Deshmukh remembers Nana Patekar
Sharing an emotional note, Riteish wrote, “I am shocked beyond words. Feels like a truck has hit me.” He remembered Patekar as an actor who could effortlessly take on vastly different characters, from larger-than-life heroes and menacing villains to poker-faced comic roles.
Riteish also highlighted Patekar’s philanthropic work and the impact he had beyond cinema.
ALSO READ: Nana Patekar dies at 75: 7 must-watch films to remember the veteran actor
The actor revealed that despite having worked with Patekar in two Hindi films, he always hoped to collaborate with him on a Marathi project. “Working with him in a Marathi film will forever remain my unfulfilled desire,” he wrote.
Riteish also thanked Patekar for the conversations, advice, encouragement and laughter they shared, adding that the veteran actor had enriched him personally. He concluded his tribute by calling his death “truly, the end of an era.”
Ravi Kishan pays tribute to Nana Patekar
आज सुबह-सुबह नाना पाटेकर जी के निधन की अत्यंत दुखद खबर सुनकर मन बहुत व्यथित है।
स्टार होते हुए भी स्टारडम से कोसों दूर रहने वाले नाना जी भारतीय सिनेमा के उन महान कलाकारों में थे, जिनकी पहचान उनकी सादगी, सहजता और मिट्टी से जुड़े व्यक्तित्व से थी। मुंबई की चकाचौंध में रहते हुए भी… pic.twitter.com/Wg7DH1b045— Ravi Kishan (@ravikishann) October 8, 2026
Actor-politician Ravi Kishan also mourned Patekar’s death. Remembering the veteran star, he highlighted his grounded nature despite his immense success and recalled the warmth and simplicity that made him stand apart.
Nimrat Kaur remembers his cinematic legacy
Nimrat Kaur paid tribute to Nana Patekar by acknowledging his lasting contribution to Indian cinema. “Thank you for your iconic cinematic legacy. Deepest condolences to the family and loved ones. Rest in peace Nana Patekar sir…” she wrote.
Neil Nitin Mukesh calls Nana Patekar a true legend
Deeply saddened by the loss of Nana Patekar Ji. An actor par excellence who carved a niche entirely his own.
His power-packed performances will be remembered forever, but so will the way he inspired and gave wings to countless aspiring actors to find their own identity.
A true… pic.twitter.com/2fR2wCWfpp— Neil Nitin Mukesh (@NeilNMukesh) October 8, 2026
Neil Nitin Mukesh also expressed his grief following the actor’s death. Remembering Patekar as a “true legend of Indian cinema”, he paid his respects to the veteran actor and his family.
Ananth Mahadevan recalls his bond with Nana Patekar
Filmmaker Ananth Mahadevan shared an emotional tribute, describing Patekar’s death as both shocking and heartbreaking. He recalled the years of professional and personal association they shared, along with their conversations and memories.
“This is shocking.. heartbreaking… flood of memories of togetherness and life’s philosophies.. shared a wonderful working and personal relationship. Short of words.. the grief is unbearable,” he wrote alongside a throwback picture with Patekar.
Akshay Kumar, Jr NTR and others mourn
Really saddened by the news of Nana ji’s passing.
He was one of those rare actors who never needed to do too much to make you sit up and watch. That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance… he was completely his own.
I feel fortunate that we got to work together… pic.twitter.com/4t1X0UAfVG— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) October 8, 2026
Akshay Kumar, who appeared alongside Patekar in ‘Welcome’ and ‘Housefull 5’, also expressed his shock over the veteran actor’s death.
Deeply saddened by the passing of Nana Patekar sir, one of Indian cinema’s finest actors. There was an unmistakable honesty and intensity in every character he portrayed. His performances never felt like acting, but life unfolding on screen. A remarkable artist whose contribution… pic.twitter.com/bifauYvwvt
— Jr NTR (@tarak9999) October 8, 2026
Jr NTR remembered Patekar as one of Indian cinema’s “finest actors” and offered his condolences to the actor’s family, friends and loved ones.
YES, everybody knows nobody is immortal .. But I still can’t believe this can so suddenly happen to a man , as strong as him .. I hate his heart for failing him and I feel like killing GOD for killing the GOD of acting , NANA PATEKAR .
— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) October 8, 2026
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma also reacted to the news, expressing disbelief over Patekar’s sudden death. Remembering him as the “GOD of acting”, Varma spoke about the difficulty of accepting the loss of someone he regarded as exceptionally strong.
Kangana Ranaut also mourned the actor’s death, writing, “Such a terrible and tragic news especially because Nana ji looked so fit and healthy. Om Shanti.”
💔💔💔 miss you my dear Nana ji .. Will cherish the moments spent..conversations.. arguments.. the food you cooked.. knowledge you shared . thank you for coming into my life’s journey. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 RIP #NanaPatekar pic.twitter.com/ijbPzxZk6s
— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) October 8, 2026
I am just shocked. This is unbelievable. Rest in peace, Nana Bhai. 💔 pic.twitter.com/tqZ7JPD2M7
— Mukesh Chhabra CSA (@CastingChhabra) October 8, 2026
This is unbelievably shocking. I am numb. Devastated infact. An actor par excellence. A man with his own mind and beliefs. A simple hearted human. An actor par excellence. Had the privilege and honor to work with him. You will be miss Nana Bhau. 😭😭😭😭😭#OmShanti… pic.twitter.com/tzClBraLUW
— KhushbuSundar (@khushsundar) October 8, 2026
R Madhavan, Mukesh Chhabra, Khushbu Sundar and Prakash Raj were also among those who paid tribute to the veteran actor.
Nana Patekar’s death
Nana Patekar, 75, reportedly suffered severe chest pain at his home in Goa. A medical team was sent to his residence, where he was reportedly found unconscious. He was administered cardiac massage before being taken to a private hospital in Dona Paula.
According to reports, doctors at the hospital declared him dead at 5:20 AM. A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted to establish the medical and legal cause of death.
Nana Patekar’s last films
Patekar was last seen in Vishal Bhardwaj’s romantic action thriller ‘O’ Romeo’, which starred Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri. Released in February 2026, the actor played Ismail Khan, the chief of the Mumbai Intelligence Bureau.
ALSO READ: Bollywood actor Nana Patekar passes away
He also appeared in Anil Kapoor’s ‘Subedaar’, which premiered on Prime Video in March 2026. His recent credits also include ‘Housefull 5’ (2025) and ‘Vanvaas’ (2024).