Veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa, on October 8, 2026. His sudden demise has left the Indian film industry and audiences mourning the loss of one of its most distinctive performers.
Known for his powerful screen presence and ability to bring both intense and emotional characters to life, Patekar created several memorable performances across Hindi and Marathi cinema. As the industry remembers the veteran actor, here is a look at some of his most notable films.
1. Parinda
Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Parinda was among the films that established Nana Patekar as a formidable performer. His portrayal earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.
The film revolves around brothers Kishan and Karan, whose lives become entangled in Mumbai’s criminal underworld. Kishan turns to crime to support his younger brother, but their lives take a tragic turn when they find themselves caught on opposite sides of a gang conflict involving Kishan’s ruthless boss.
2. Krantiveer
In Krantiveer, Patekar played Pratap, a man who is rejected by his family before eventually finding a new home in Mumbai with a landlord named Laxminath.
Pratap’s life changes after Laxminath is murdered, prompting him to seek justice. Patekar’s performance received widespread recognition, earning him the National Film Award for Best Actor as well as the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
3. Prahaar: The Final Attack
Prahaar: The Final Attack marked an important phase in Nana Patekar’s career as he took on multiple responsibilities as an actor, writer and director.
The film follows Major Chauhan, a highly trained Indian Army officer dedicated to his duty. After serving his country on the battlefield, he decides to confront corruption within society. The film also reflected Patekar’s interest in storytelling beyond acting.
4. Welcome
Nana Patekar’s filmography would be incomplete without Welcome, one of his most widely remembered comedy performances.
He played Uday Shetty, a gangster who is determined to find a suitable husband for his sister. Patekar’s distinctive comic timing and dialogue delivery made the character hugely popular with audiences. Uday Shetty continues to remain a familiar presence in internet and meme culture, with several of his dialogues frequently quoted by fans.
5. Natsamrat
Patekar also delivered a powerful performance in the Marathi film Natsamrat. The story centres on Ganpat Belwalkar, a retired stage actor who divides his property between his two children. However, the relationship with his children deteriorates, eventually leaving Ganpat and his wife without a home in their old age.
The film went on to become the highest-grossing Marathi film at the time, before Sairat later took that position.
Nana Patekar’s passing marks the loss of an actor whose performances crossed genres and languages. From intense dramas such as Parinda and Krantiveer to the unforgettable Uday Shetty in Welcome and his acclaimed work in Marathi cinema, his body of work leaves behind a lasting place in Indian cinema.