Indian cinema has lost one of its most distinctive performers. Veteran actor Nana Patekar died on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the age of 75, after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. According to hospital sources, Patekar was found unconscious and taken to Manipal Hospital. Doctors attempted resuscitation for approximately 45 minutes, but he could not be revived. His son, Malhar Patekar, confirmed his death.
Born Vishwanath Patekar in Maharashtra in 1951, Nana built a career spanning nearly five decades across Hindi and Marathi cinema. From Gaman and Parinda to Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Welcome and Natsamrat, he repeatedly moved between intense drama, action, comedy and theatre-based performances.
He was also a recipient of three National Film Awards and the Padma Shri, awarded to him in 2013 for his contribution to cinema and the arts. But behind the actor audiences knew was a remarkably unconventional life.
Here are five lesser-known facts about Nana Patekar.
1. He started painting film posters at just 13
Long before becoming a Bollywood star, Nana Patekar had to work to support his family. As a teenager, he began painting film posters in Mumbai. According to an account published by India Today, he earned approximately ₹35 a month and reportedly walked several kilometres to work. The job also provided him with a meal, which was significant for his family during a period of financial hardship.
His artistic abilities later took him to the Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art, where he studied applied art and subsequently worked as a commercial artist. That early connection with visual art was followed by theatre — the discipline that eventually became the foundation of his acting career.
2. He became a national-level rifle shooter
One of the least-known aspects of Nana Patekar’s life was his serious involvement in competitive shooting. Unlike actors who merely handle firearms for film roles, Patekar competed in rifle shooting at state and national levels.
Remarkably, he began seriously practising with a rifle only in his 40s. He eventually competed in events including the 50-metre rifle prone and 300-metre big-bore categories.
In 2004, he won a silver medal in the 300m big-bore event at the National Shooting Championships in Indore. In 2007, he was part of Maharashtra’s team that won a bronze medal. His performances eventually earned him the designation of a “renowned shot.”
The actor reportedly continued participating in shooting competitions well into his 60s.
3. He trained with the Army for Prahaar
Nana Patekar’s relationship with the armed forces went much deeper than his screen performances. For his 1991 directorial debut Prahaar: The Final Attack, Patekar underwent extensive military training. His preparation included rigorous training with the Maratha Light Infantry.
His association with the armed forces subsequently continued, and he became associated with the Territorial Army, eventually serving as an honorary officer. His military background also influenced some of his most memorable performances involving soldiers and discipline.
4. Nana Patekar was involved in the Kargil War effort
Patekar’s military association took an extraordinary turn during the 1999 Kargil War.
Reports about his life state that he sought permission to visit forward areas and spent time with Indian Army personnel during the conflict. His connection with the armed forces therefore wasn’t restricted to preparing for a movie.
His military experience became another unusual chapter in a life that had already moved from poster painting to theatre, cinema and competitive shooting.
5. His philanthropy extended far beyond Bollywood
Away from cinema, Patekar became increasingly associated with humanitarian work, particularly support for farmers and communities affected by drought.
In 2015, he co-founded the Naam Foundation with fellow Marathi actor Makarand Anaspure. The organisation has worked on water conservation and assistance for farming communities affected by drought and agrarian distress in Maharashtra.
Patekar also contributed money from awards and film-related earnings towards charitable causes and disaster relief. His public image therefore extended beyond the stereotypical Bollywood celebrity — something that became an important part of his legacy.
A career that refused to fit one mould
Patekar’s acting career was equally unconventional. His film debut came with Gaman in 1978, but it was Parinda in 1989 that established him as a major force in Hindi cinema. His performance earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.
He subsequently won the National Film Award for Best Actor for Krantiveer and another Best Supporting Actor honour for Agni Sakshi. He could be terrifying in serious roles, emotional in films such as Natsamrat, and unexpectedly hilarious as Uday Shetty in Welcome.
That versatility became one of his defining characteristics.
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Nana Patekar’s legacy
Nana Patekar leaves behind a filmography that cannot easily be placed into one category. He was a theatre actor, filmmaker, screenwriter, award-winning performer, competitive shooter, military officer and philanthropist.
His journey — from earning ₹35 a month painting film posters to becoming one of India’s most decorated actors — was as dramatic as many of the characters he portrayed. His death marks the end of an era for both Hindi and Marathi cinema, but the voice, intensity and characters that defined Nana Patekar’s career are likely to remain deeply embedded in Indian popular culture.
Frequently asked questions
How old was Nana Patekar when he died?
Nana Patekar was 75 years old when he died on October 8, 2026.
What was Nana Patekar’s real name?
His birth name was Vishwanath Patekar.
What was the cause of Nana Patekar’s death?
Hospital sources said he suffered a cardiac arrest at his Goa residence and could not be revived despite approximately 45 minutes of CPR. The Indian Express
How many National Film Awards did Nana Patekar win?
He won three National Film Awards — for Parinda, Krantiveer and Agni Sakshi.
Was Nana Patekar a shooter?
Yes. He competed in rifle shooting at state and national levels and won medals at the National Shooting Championships.
