Nana Patekar Passes Away at 75: Prakash Raj, Adil Hussain and Ram Gopal Varma Pay Emotional Tributes

Veteran actor Nana Patekar has passed away at the age of 75, leaving the Indian film industry mourning the loss of one of its most distinctive and powerful performers. Patekar died at his Goa residence during the early hours of Thursday after suffering a heart attack. He was reportedly found unconscious at his apartment in Dona Paula, near Panaji, and was subsequently taken to Manipal Hospital. As news of his passing spread, actors and filmmakers took to social media to remember the legendary performer.

Actor Prakash Raj shared an intensely personal tribute, remembering not just Nana Patekar the actor but the person he knew away from the cameras. He tweeted, “heart broken, miss you my dear Nana ji .. Will cherish the moments spent..conversations.. arguments.. the food you cooked.. knowledge you shared . thank you for coming into my life’s journey. RIP #NanaPatekar”. His words painted a picture of a relationship filled with conversations, disagreements, shared meals and memories, making the tribute especially poignant.

Actor Adil Hussain also expressed disbelief over Nana Patekar’s death, revealing that he woke up to the devastating news. He wrote, “I cannot believe that Nana Patekar jee has passed!.. Woke up by a phone call giving me this News... Speechless. Dearest Nana jee I will remember you with great fondness... Your work has inspired many people including me. God bless your soul... rest in peace.” For Adil, Patekar was more than a celebrated name in cinema; he was an inspiration whose work influenced generations of performers.

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, who worked with Nana Patekar on several intense and memorable films, remembered the actor through some of their most significant collaborations. Sharing his tribute, Varma wrote, “Goodbye Nana, can’t ever forget what you brought to Ab Tak Chappan, Bhoot and the Attacks of 26/11.” Patekar’s performances in these films showcased the commanding intensity that became synonymous with his screen persona, particularly in stories that demanded restraint, realism and emotional weight.

Nana Patekar’s career spanned decades and included some of the most memorable performances in Hindi and Marathi cinema. From intense dramatic roles to complex characters and unforgettable dialogue delivery, he developed a screen presence that was entirely his own. His work in films such as Ab Tak Chhappan, Bhoot and The Attacks of 26/11 further demonstrated his ability to bring rawness and authenticity to demanding roles, earning him admiration from actors, filmmakers and audiences alike.

With Prakash Raj remembering their personal moments, Adil Hussain recalling the inspiration he drew from Patekar’s work and Ram Gopal Varma revisiting their collaborations, the tributes reveal the many sides of a performer who meant different things to different people. Nana Patekar leaves behind an extraordinary body of work and a legacy that will continue to influence Indian cinema. For an actor whose performances were never easily forgotten, the grief surrounding his loss is perhaps a reflection of just how unforgettable he truly was.