Kamal Haasan Mourns Nana Patekar: 'Extraordinary Artist and…

Kamal Haasan Pays Emotional Tribute to Nana Patekar, Calls Him 'An Extraordinary Artist and an Even Greater Human Being'

Nana Patekar's death at 75 triggers a wave of tributes, with Kamal Haasan calling him 'an extraordinary artist and an even greater human being'—a nod to his off-screen activism. State funeral confirmed, body en route to Pune.

By Front Row8 Oct 20261 min read

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Nana Patekar is dead. At 75, he passed away in the early hours of Thursday, October 8, after suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. He was found unresponsive and rushed to Manipal Hospital, where medical staff attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation for nearly 45 minutes. Despite their efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at approximately 5:20 AM IST.

His son, Malhar Patekar, confirmed the news shortly afterwards. The actor’s mortal remains are now being transferred from Goa to Pune, where his last rites will take place at his farmhouse in Donje on the outskirts of the city. The Maharashtra government has announced that Nana Patekar will be accorded a state funeral with full honours — recognising both his stature in Indian cinema and his contributions through the Naam Foundation.

The foundation’s work, particularly in supporting farmers across Maharashtra and his volunteer service during the Kargil War, has been cited as central to his legacy beyond the screen. Kamal Haasan paid tribute to him on X, sharing a photograph and writing, “Heartbreaking news of Nana Patekar Ji’s passing. An extraordinary artist and an even greater human being.

The man was a force of nature, and he uplifted the lives of those around him. Beyond the screen, his work helping farmers in Maharashtra and his volunteer service during the Kargil War spoke volumes about his deep sense of duty. My deepest condolences to his family and his legions of fans.” The message underscored a life lived with purpose, not just as a performer, but as a public figure committed to social causes.

Tributes have since flooded in from across the film industry and political circles, including statements from Rahul Gandhi, Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani, and Pawan Kalyan. Yet it is Kamal Haasan’s words that linger: a recognition that Patekar’s impact stretched far beyond the frame, into the real world. Now, the silence where his voice once stood feels heavier than any applause.