Nana Patekar, a renowned Indian actor and filmmaker, passed away at the age of 75 in his residence in the coastal region of Goa. The cause of his death is believed to be a cardiac arrest, as reported by the Press Trust of India quoting a hospital doctor.
Born as Vishwanath Patekar in 1951 in the Maharashtra state of India, he crafted a successful career in both Hindi and Marathi cinema that spanned close to five decades. Patekar was known for his powerful performances, often portraying intricate and unconventional characters.
His cinematic journey began in 1978 with the Hindi movie “Gaman,” and he later gained acclaim for his roles in “Parinda” and “Krantiveer.” Patekar’s international recognition surged in 1988 with his appearance in Mira Nair’s Oscar-nominated film “Salaam Bombay!”
Throughout his career, he secured three National Film Awards, the highest cinematic accolades in India, and was honored with the Padma Shri, a prestigious civilian award in the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over Patekar’s demise, lauding his exceptional acting prowess, distinctive persona, and enduring impact on the audience. Modi commended Patekar’s adaptability and innovation in portraying characters that will be cherished for generations to come.
Despite his success, Patekar faced allegations of sexual misconduct. In 2018, actress Tanushree Dutta accused him of harassment and inappropriate behavior during a film shoot in 2008, sparking a significant conversation within the Indian film industry and aligning with the #MeToo movement in the country.
In 2019, Mumbai police terminated their investigation into the matter, citing insufficient evidence to support the allegations. Patekar is survived by his wife and a son.