Nana Patekar, a renowned Indian actor and filmmaker, passed away at the age of 75 in his residence in Goa, India. The cause of death is believed to be a cardiac arrest, as reported by the Press Trust of India, citing a hospital doctor.
Born Vishwanath Patekar in 1951 in Maharashtra, India, he had a successful career in Hindi and Marathi cinema that spanned almost five decades. Patekar was known for his powerful performances, often portraying intricate and unconventional characters.
His cinematic journey began in 1978 with the Hindi movie “Gaman,” and he later gained recognition for his roles in “Parinda” and “Krantiveer.” In 1988, he achieved international acclaim through Mira Nair’s Oscar-nominated film “Salaam Bombay!”
Patekar was honored with three National Film Awards, the highest film accolades in India, and was bestowed with the Padma Shri, one of the nation’s top civilian awards.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, commending Patekar’s unique acting style and impactful presence on screen. Modi highlighted Patekar’s versatility and creativity in portraying characters that will endure through generations.
Despite his successful career, Patekar faced allegations of sexual harassment. In 2018, actress Tanushree Dutta accused him of misconduct during a film shoot in 2008, sparking a significant discussion within the Indian film industry and contributing to the #MeToo movement in the country.
Subsequently, Mumbai police closed the investigation in 2019, citing insufficient evidence to support the allegations. Patekar is survived by his wife and son.
