Patekar was found unconscious at his home in Goa and taken to hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. He worked in Hindi- and Marathi-language cinema for nearly five decades and won India’s National Film Award three times.
Nana Patekar died on Thursday, Oct. 8, in the Indian state of Goa. The Associated Press reported that he was found unconscious at home and taken to hospital. The Press Trust of India, citing a doctor, reported that a suspected cardiac arrest caused his death. He was 75.
Patekar began acting in the late 1970s. His film debut was the 1978 movie “Gaman.” Over his career he worked in cinema, theater and television, and often played characters outside conventional hero and villain roles.
His best-known films include “Parinda,” “Prahaar,” “Krantiveer,” “Agni Sakshi,” “Ab Tak Chhappan,” “Apaharan,” “Welcome” and “Natsamrat.” He won three National Film Awards: best supporting actor for “Parinda” in 1989, best actor for “Krantiveer” in 1994 and best supporting actor for “Agni Sakshi” in 1996.
Patekar received the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to the arts. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the actor, praising his intensity and distinctive presence.