Nana Patekar, a revered Indian actor and filmmaker, passed away on Thursday at his residence in Goa, a state in the western part of India. He was 75 years old. The Press Trust of India news agency reported that Patekar is believed to have died from a heart attack, as stated by a doctor at the hospital where he was declared deceased.
Vishwanath Patekar, born in 1951 in Maharashtra, a state in western India, established a successful career in both Hindi and Marathi cinema over nearly five decades. He was renowned for his powerful performances, often portraying intricate and non-traditional characters.
Patekar began his cinematic journey in 1978 with the Hindi movie “Gaman” and later gained recognition for his roles in “Parinda” and “Krantiveer.” His international prominence escalated in 1988 when he appeared in Mira Nair’s Oscar-nominated film “Salaam Bombay!”
Throughout his career, Patekar received three National Film Awards, the highest film accolades in India, and was honored with the Padma Shri, one of the nation’s most prestigious civilian awards.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over Patekar’s demise, commending his exceptional acting prowess, unique persona, and indelible impact on the industry. Modi lauded Patekar for his versatility and creativity in bringing memorable characters to life.
Despite his achievements, Patekar faced allegations of sexual harassment. In 2018, actress Tanushree Dutta accused him of inappropriate behavior and harassment during a film shoot in 2008, sparking a significant dialogue within India’s film sector and aligning with the country’s #MeToo movement.
In 2019, the Mumbai police closed the investigation due to insufficient evidence to corroborate the allegations. Patekar is survived by his wife and son.