Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 8 (ANI): Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday expressed grief over the demise of veteran actor Nana Patekar, describing the news as shocking and heartbreaking and recalling his close and friendly relations with the actor.
In a post on X, Gadkari said Patekar had remained in the hearts of audiences for over five decades through his work in Marathi and Hindi cinema.
भारतीय चित्रपट सृष्टीतील दिग्गज अभिनेते नाना पाटेकर यांच्या निधनाचे वृत्त अतिशय धक्कादायक आणि दुःखद आहे. त्यांना माझी भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली. नानांचे आणि माझे अतिशय जवळचे आणि मैत्रीपूर्ण संबंध होते. आपल्या दमदार अभिनयाने पाच दशकांहून अधिक काळ नाना पाटेकर यांनी मराठी व हिंदी चित्रपटांच्या माध्यमातून रसिक प्रेक्षकांच्या मनावर अधिराज्य गाजवले. आपल्या वैशिष्ट्यपूर्ण संवाद शैलीने त्यांनी चित्रपटातील अनेक पात्रे अजरामर केली व आपली वेगळी ओळख निर्माण केली. त्यांचे जाणे ही भारतीय चित्रपटसृष्टीची मोठी हानी आहे. 'नाम फाऊंडेशन'च्या माध्यमातून पाणी संरक्षण, संचयन क्षेत्रांत महाराष्ट्राच्या ग्रामीण भागात त्यांनी केलेले कार्य उल्लेखनीय आणि महत्त्वपूर्ण आहे. आत्महत्या केलेल्या शेतकऱ्यांच्या कुटुंबीयांसाठी त्यांनी दिलेला मदतीचा हात अनेक कुटुंबांचा आधार बनला. नाना एक उत्तम कलाकार-अभिनेते असण्याबरोबरच समाजाप्रती संवेदनशील असलेले एक व्यक्तिमत्त्व होते. ईश्वर दिवंगत आत्म्यास शांती प्रदान करो. ॐ शांती.
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) October 8, 2026
Gadkari recalled Patekar’s distinctive dialogue delivery and powerful acting, saying the actor had immortalised several characters through his performances and created a unique identity in the Indian film industry.
“Through his powerful acting, Nana Patekar dominated the hearts of discerning audiences for over five decades via Marathi and Hindi cinema. With his distinctive style of dialogue delivery, he immortalised many characters in films and created his unique identity. His departure is a great loss to the Indian film industry,” he said.
The Union Minister also highlighted Patekar’s social work through the ‘Naam Foundation’, particularly in rural Maharashtra in the areas of water conservation and watershed management.
He said Patekar’s support to the families of farmers who died by suicide had provided assistance to many families.
“The work he did in the rural areas of Maharashtra in the fields of water conservation and watershed management through the 'Naam Foundation' is noteworthy and significant. The helping hand he extended to the families of farmers who committed suicide became a support for many families,” he further said.
Gadkari described Patekar as not only an accomplished actor but also a person sensitive towards society and said his departure was a loss to the Indian film industry.
He offered condolences to Patekar and prayed for peace to the departed soul.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also condoled Patekar’s demise in a post on X, recalling his extraordinary talent, powerful screen presence and memorable performances.
Deeply saddened by the passing of veteran actor Shri Nana Patekar. With his extraordinary talent, powerful screen presence and unforgettable performances, he gave Indian cinema some truly memorable characters. Beyond the screen, his compassion for farmers and commitment to serving society reflected the depth of his character. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers during this difficult time. Om Shanti.
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) October 8, 2026
Shivakumar said Patekar’s compassion for farmers and commitment to serving society reflected the depth of his character.
“My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers during this difficult time. Om Shanti,” he said.
Actor Nana Patekar died at 5.20 am on Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest, Dr Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Department of Oncology at Manipal Hospital, told ANI over the phone.
According to Dr Salkar, Patekar suffered cardiac arrest at his residence, and CPR was administered for 45 minutes. He remained in asystole throughout the CPR.
A medico-legal case (MLC) has been completed, while a post-mortem examination is required, according to the doctor.
The doctor confirmed Patekar’s death and said efforts to revive him continued for 45 minutes following the cardiac arrest. (ANI)
