"His passing leaves a deep void."
On October 8, 2026, Nana Patekar passed away in Goa, India. He was 75 years old.
Nana was born on January 1, 1951. He began his career with the Hindi film, Gaman (1978).
After starring in the Oscar-nominated Salaam Bombay (1988), he won a National Award and a Filmfare Award for ‘Best Supporting Actor’ for his performance in Parinda (1989).
Nana later made his directorial debut with Prahaar: The Final Attack (1991), which featured himself, Madhuri Dixit, and Dimple Kapadia.
In the 1990s, Nana continued to receive critical acclaim for his performances.
For Mehul Kumar’s Krantiveer (1994), he won the National Award and Filmfare Award for ‘Best Actor’ in 1995.
He was also lauded for his roles in Agni Sakshi (1996), and in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s directorial debut, Khamoshi: The Musical (1996).
For the latter, Nana won another National Film Award for ‘Best Supporting Actor’.
In the 2000s and 2010s, he did marvellously well in films, including Apharan (2005), Welcome (2007), and Raajneeti (2010).
Nana Patekar joined the Territorial Army as a captain in 1988, and served in as a Major in the Maratha Light Infantry during the Kargil War in 1999.
His career in the armed forces ended with retirement in 2013.
In 1978, Nana married Neelkanti in 1978, and they had two sons, one of whom died aged two due to an illness.
He was alleged to have had romantic relationships with the actresses Manisha Koirala and Ayesha Jhulka while he was separated from Neelkanti.
In 2018, Nana became involved in a controversy when Tanushree Dutta accused him of sexual harassmen when they were on the sets of Horn Ok Pleassss (2009).
Set to feature in a solo song, Tanushree claimed that Nana insisted on also taking part in the number.
She said: “He started his misconduct the very first day.
“I complained to the producer and director that I am very wary of this man’s attitude towards me.”
She told the production team: “Please tell him to stay away from me. Because he should not be on the set.
“So why is he on the set? He is grabbing me and trying to teach me the dance steps. What is all this?”
In 2024, Nana denied the allegations and said: “I knew that it was all a lie. That’s why I didn’t get angry.
“When everything was a lie, why should I be angry? And all those things are old. They have happened.
“What can we talk about them? Everyone knew the truth.
“What could I say at that time when nothing like this happened?
“Suddenly, someone says that you did this, you did that. What would I have answered to all these things?
“Should I have said that I didn’t do this? I know the truth that I didn’t do anything.”
Nevertheless, this controversy kicked off the #MeToo movement in India.
Following his death, many paid tribute to Nana on social media.
The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, said: “Few actors possessed the intensity, individuality and unmistakable presence that Shri Nana Patekar Ji had.
“He brought remarkable versatility and creativity to every role and gave us characters that will be remembered for generations.
“He was also admired for his frank and forthright views, never hesitating to express what he believed in.
“Shri Nana Patekar’s contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema was immense.
“His passing leaves a deep void. My condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers.”
Few actors possessed the intensity, individuality and unmistakable presence that Shri Nana Patekar Ji had. He brought remarkable versatility and creativity to every role and gave us characters that will be remembered for generations. He was also admired for his frank and forthright views, never hesitating to express what he believed in.
Shri Nana Patekar’s contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema was immense. His passing leaves a deep void. My condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2026
Virat Kohli added: “A true legend of Indian cinema. His work and legacy will live on for generations.
“Rest in peace, Nana Patekar Ji.”
Sunny Deol wrote: “Still can’t believe Nana is not among us.
“We never worked together, but we always shared a very special bond that went back many years.
“Fearless, full of life, he always did what he wanted to do. That’s how I’ll always remember him.
“Will miss you, Nana.”
Nana Patekar made his final film appearance as Lance Naik Nana Waghmare in Subedaar (2026).
