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.

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.

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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

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

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

Akshay Kumar, who appeared alongside Patekar in ‘Welcome’ and ‘Housefull 5’, also expressed his shock over the veteran actor’s death.

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.

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.”

 

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.

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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).