Nana Patekar, a renowned Indian actor and filmmaker, passed away at the age of 75 at his residence in Goa, a state in western India. According to reports from the Press Trust of India news agency, Patekar is believed to have died from a cardiac arrest, as confirmed by a doctor at the hospital where he was declared deceased.
Born Vishwanath Patekar in 1951 in Maharashtra, a state in western India, he enjoyed a successful career in Hindi and Marathi cinema that spanned almost five decades. Patekar was known for his powerful performances, often portraying intricate and non-traditional characters.
His acting journey began in the 1978 Hindi movie “Gaman,” and he later received praise for his roles in “Parinda” and “Krantiveer.” In 1988, he gained international acclaim through 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, a prestigious civilian award in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, highlighting Patekar’s exceptional acting skills and unique on-screen presence.
Despite his success, Patekar faced allegations of sexual harassment. In 2018, actress Tanushree Dutta accused him of inappropriate behavior and harassment during the filming of a movie in 2008, sparking discussions within the Indian film industry and contributing to the #MeToo movement in the country.
In 2019, the Mumbai police closed their investigation into the matter citing insufficient evidence to support the claims. Patekar is survived by his wife and son.
