India: Veteran Bollywood and Marathi actor Nana Patekar has died at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Goa, Indian media reported on Thursday.
Hospital sources cited by Indian media said doctors attempted to revive Patekar for nearly 45 minutes after he was brought to the hospital. He was declared dead in the early hours of Thursday.
According to Dr Shekhar Salkar, Patekar had messaged a friend around 2:30am saying he was unwell. His friend later reached his home, where the actor was reportedly sweating and becoming unconscious. Emergency responders began cardiac massage before taking him to hospital at around 4:20am to 4:30am.
What happened to Nana Patekar before his death?
Doctors said Patekar was brought to the hospital unresponsive and could not be revived despite prolonged resuscitation efforts. A medico-legal case has been registered, and authorities are expected to conduct a post-mortem examination.
Patekar built a career spanning more than four decades across Hindi and Marathi cinema. He became known for powerful performances in films including Parinda, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Ab Tak Chhappan and Welcome.
What was Nana Patekar’s contribution to Indian cinema?
Patekar entered Bollywood with the 1978 film Gaman and later expanded his work into directing, theatre and playback singing. He directed Prahaar: The Final Attack and received the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to cinema and the arts.
His performances in Shakti: The Power, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan, Taxi No. 9211 and Raajneeti further established his reputation as a prominent character actor. His portrayal of Uday Shetty in Welcome became one of his most recognised roles.
Patekar also received the Filmfare Award for Best Actor in 2016 for his performance in the Marathi film Natsamrat. His death marks the end of a career spanning more than 40 years across acting, filmmaking and theatre.