MUMBAI: A veteran Indian actor, Nana Patekar known for his fiery performances in Bollywood films and theatre, died on Thursday aged 75, Indian media reported.
News agency ANI quoted Dr Shehkar Salkar, the head of oncology at Goa’s Manipal Hospital, as saying that the actor was reportedly found unconscious by a medical team dispatched to respond to complaints of chest pain. The team attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the actor after which he was rushed to the hospital.
The actor was declared dead early Thursday morning. Dr Salkar said a medico-legal case had been registered and a post-mortem exam would be conducted.
From Marathi Theatre to Bollywood
One of the most recognisable faces of Indian cinema, Patekar won three National Film Awards and became known for playing complex, often volatile characters. He was also a prominent figure in Marathi language cinema and theatre, BBC News reported.
Born Vishawanath Patekar, but popularly known as Nana, he started his career doing theatre in Marathi, the language spoken in his home state of Maharashtra, which is also home to Bollywood.
Patekar acted in several of India’s arthouse movies in the 1970’s and 80’s, including Mira Nair’s award-winning “Salaam Bombay” before moving to mainstream Bollywood.
He played a variety of roles, sharing screen space with actors such as Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan and excelling in both serious and comic roles.
His performances, marked by trademark aggression and forceful dialogue, won him several national and regional film awards.
Bollywood stars Mourn Nana Patekar’s Passing
Famous actor Akshay Kumar penned, “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 in Welcome, and then again more recently in Housefull 5. There are so many memories from those sets that I’ll always hold close. Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It’s hard to believe you’re gone. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say,” he added.
Another Bollywood actor Suneil Shetty also expressed his sorrow over the death of Nana.
“Absolutely shocking!!! They don’t make men like you anymore. So deeply rooted no matter how high you rose. Unapologetically yourself, fiercely honest and a master of your craft,” he penned on Instagram.
He added: “There was only one Nana. There will never be another. Rest in peace Bhau… Cinema won’t be the same without you.”
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