Updated on: 08 October, 2026 01:06 PM IST |Kavya Agarwal
The voice that could command a room, the eyes that could transform a character and the presence that could make even a fleeting scene unforgettable have fallen silent. Some actors enter a frame. Nana Patekar owned it. Today, the screen has lost one of its most formidable performers. Nana Patekar, one of Indian cinema’s most distinctive and powerful performers, passed away at the age of 75 on October 8, leaving the film fraternity and millions of admirers heartbroken. Soon after the heartbreaking news emerged, the industry came together in grief, with stars from different generations and corners of Indian cinema paying tribute to the actor they admired for his rare honesty and unmatched intensity. Their words paint a picture of an artist whose influence went far beyond individual films. He was a performer who inspired actors, moved audiences and left behind a body of work that will continue to speak long after his final curtain call. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar and Prakash Raj, colleagues and admirers came together to bid an emotional farewell to a performer who was truly one of a kind.
Raveena Tandon remembers her time with Nana Patekar from "Mustafa"
While remembering her time with Nana in the movie "Mustafa", Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon wrote, "Shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Nana. We all know that one day we have to walk the same path and embark on that onward journey, but knowing that does not make the loss any easier. His passing has come as a sudden and profound shock. Nana and I shared a wonderful rapport, built on mutual respect, warmth and genuine fondness. He was truly lionhearted — courageous, strong and generous in spirit. I will always cherish the memories of the time we spent working together. I particularly remember the scene in Mustafa, where his insight and understanding helped me immensely in bringing a certain nuance and depth to my performance in that situation. I will always be grateful to him for that. Some people leave behind more than memories; they leave behind an impression of their strength, warmth and spirit that stays with you. Nana was one such person. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Om Shanti. Can’t believe it . We have lost a legend today".
While remembering her time with Nana in the movie "Mustafa", Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon wrote, "Shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Nana. We all know that one day we have to walk the same path and embark on that onward journey, but knowing that does not make the loss any easier. His passing has come as a sudden and profound shock. Nana and I shared a wonderful rapport, built on mutual respect, warmth and genuine fondness. He was truly lionhearted — courageous, strong and generous in spirit. I will always cherish the memories of the time we spent working together. I particularly remember the scene in Mustafa, where his insight and understanding helped me immensely in bringing a certain nuance and depth to my performance in that situation. I will always be grateful to him for that. Some people leave behind more than memories; they leave behind an impression of their strength, warmth and spirit that stays with you. Nana was one such person. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Om Shanti. Can’t believe it . We have lost a legend today".
Suniel Shetty pays his tribute to Nana Patekar
Stating how there would be no one like Nana Patekar, Suniel Shetty (who also shared a cameo screen with Nana in "Welcome") wrote", Absolutely shocking!!! They don’t make men like you anymore. So deeply rooted no matter how high you rose. Unapologetically yourself, fiercely honest and a master of your craft. There was only one Nana. There will never be another. Rest in peace Bhau... Cinema won’t be the same without you."
Stating how there would be no one like Nana Patekar, Suniel Shetty (who also shared a cameo screen with Nana in "Welcome") wrote", Absolutely shocking!!! They don’t make men like you anymore. So deeply rooted no matter how high you rose. Unapologetically yourself, fiercely honest and a master of your craft. There was only one Nana. There will never be another. Rest in peace Bhau... Cinema won’t be the same without you."
Smriti Irani remembers her "Dada" Nana ji
Smriti Irani was very close to her "Dada" Nana Patekar. She remembered how they called randomly only to check up on each other and how Nana used to cook for her. Sharing her memories with Patekar, Smriti Irani wrote, "Dada. That’s what I called him, while the world knew him as Nana Patekar. His calls were as random as they were precious. No formalities, no pleasantries. Just that familiar voice – “Kahan hai re?” We barely ever photographed our moments together. Perhaps because one could never imagine there would come a day when photographs would be all I am left with. I would call him out of the blue, sometimes just to put him on the phone with young talent who admired the legend. And he would oblige, with all the warmth that lay beneath that unmistakably gruff exterior. Today, among the memories I hold closest is one of him cooking for me. No special occasion . Just Dada, being Dada. Our last conversation still echoes in my ears. “Aa re Pune, kadhi yeshil?” Come to Pune, when will you visit? I said, “Soon.” Guess was not soon enough. See you on the other side, Dada".
Smriti Irani was very close to her "Dada" Nana Patekar. She remembered how they called randomly only to check up on each other and how Nana used to cook for her. Sharing her memories with Patekar, Smriti Irani wrote, "Dada. That’s what I called him, while the world knew him as Nana Patekar. His calls were as random as they were precious. No formalities, no pleasantries. Just that familiar voice – “Kahan hai re?” We barely ever photographed our moments together. Perhaps because one could never imagine there would come a day when photographs would be all I am left with. I would call him out of the blue, sometimes just to put him on the phone with young talent who admired the legend. And he would oblige, with all the warmth that lay beneath that unmistakably gruff exterior. Today, among the memories I hold closest is one of him cooking for me. No special occasion . Just Dada, being Dada. Our last conversation still echoes in my ears. “Aa re Pune, kadhi yeshil?” Come to Pune, when will you visit? I said, “Soon.” Guess was not soon enough. See you on the other side, Dada".
Riteish Deshmukh reminisces the time he spent with Nana Patekar in Marathi cinema
Paying a heartfelt tribute to the legend, Riteish Deshmukh (who shared a screen with Nana Patekar multilple times) wrote, "I am shocked beyond words. Feels like a truck has hit me. Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Nana Patekar ji. An actor par excellence, incomparable to anyone, he carved his place in people’s hearts with his own unique style and brand of acting. There wasn’t a role or a character he couldn’t perform. He aced it all — a larger-than-life hero, a terrifying villain or be it his poker-faced comedy. He was a hero off screen too, and worked tirelessly through his charity for the good of the people.
I had the privilege of sharing screen space with him in Bluffmaster and Housefull 5, but working with him in a Marathi film will forever remain my unfulfilled desire.
My heartfelt and deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and the millions of his well-wishers.
Truly, the end of an era.
Thank you for your wisdom, your chats with me, the pat on my back, the shared laughter and for enriching me as a person.
Rest in glory !!!!"
Paying a heartfelt tribute to the legend, Riteish Deshmukh (who shared a screen with Nana Patekar multilple times) wrote, "I am shocked beyond words. Feels like a truck has hit me. Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Nana Patekar ji. An actor par excellence, incomparable to anyone, he carved his place in people’s hearts with his own unique style and brand of acting. There wasn’t a role or a character he couldn’t perform. He aced it all — a larger-than-life hero, a terrifying villain or be it his poker-faced comedy. He was a hero off screen too, and worked tirelessly through his charity for the good of the people.
I had the privilege of sharing screen space with him in Bluffmaster and Housefull 5, but working with him in a Marathi film will forever remain my unfulfilled desire.
My heartfelt and deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and the millions of his well-wishers.
Truly, the end of an era.
Thank you for your wisdom, your chats with me, the pat on my back, the shared laughter and for enriching me as a person.
Rest in glory !!!!"
Pawan Kalywan remembers Nana Patekar
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed deep grief and extended his condolences over the passing of veteran actor Nana Patekar. He wrote, "Condolences on the Passing of Shri Nana Patekar Ji. I convey my deepest condolences on the passing of renowned actor Shri Nana Patekar Ji. I pray to the Almighty for his soul to rest in peace and convey my heartfelt sympathies to his family and loved ones. Shri Nana Patekar Ji was an exceptional actor who brought remarkable depth and authenticity to every character he portrayed. His unforgettable performance in Krantiveer remains etched in the memories of cinema lovers. Parinda, Khamoshi, Tirangaa, Agni Sakshi, Natsamrat, Ab Tak Chhappan and Apaharan are among the many memorable works in his illustrious career. His association with the Indian Army and his service to the nation further reflected his deep sense of patriotism and commitment. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers. May his soul rest in peace".
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed deep grief and extended his condolences over the passing of veteran actor Nana Patekar. He wrote, "Condolences on the Passing of Shri Nana Patekar Ji. I convey my deepest condolences on the passing of renowned actor Shri Nana Patekar Ji. I pray to the Almighty for his soul to rest in peace and convey my heartfelt sympathies to his family and loved ones. Shri Nana Patekar Ji was an exceptional actor who brought remarkable depth and authenticity to every character he portrayed. His unforgettable performance in Krantiveer remains etched in the memories of cinema lovers. Parinda, Khamoshi, Tirangaa, Agni Sakshi, Natsamrat, Ab Tak Chhappan and Apaharan are among the many memorable works in his illustrious career. His association with the Indian Army and his service to the nation further reflected his deep sense of patriotism and commitment. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers. May his soul rest in peace".
President Droupadi Murmu reacts to Nana Patekar's death
Reacting to Nana Patekar's death news, President Droupadi Murmu wrote, "Deeply saddened by the passing of veteran actor Shri Nana Patekar. Through his powerful and deeply evocative performances, he brought to life a wide range of human experiences. He portrayed characters that left a lasting imprint on the hearts and minds of people. His passing is a great loss to Indian cinema. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers".
Reacting to Nana Patekar's death news, President Droupadi Murmu wrote, "Deeply saddened by the passing of veteran actor Shri Nana Patekar. Through his powerful and deeply evocative performances, he brought to life a wide range of human experiences. He portrayed characters that left a lasting imprint on the hearts and minds of people. His passing is a great loss to Indian cinema. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers".
Randeep Hooda's message after Nana Patekar's demise
Taking to his social media handle, Randeep Hooda wrote, "When I first saw him in Parinda I didn’t think I was watching an actor. I thought I was watching a real person. When I met him years later, that feeling stayed with me. He was exactly that, a real person who wore his heart on his sleeve and not just a pretentious actor. Saddened and shocked by the loss of a one-of-a-kind actor and human being. Honest, fearless and always true to himself. An arresting actor, a towering personality, and an inferno of talent. Rest in peace, Nana sir. You will be deeply missed. Om Shanti".
Taking to his social media handle, Randeep Hooda wrote, "When I first saw him in Parinda I didn’t think I was watching an actor. I thought I was watching a real person. When I met him years later, that feeling stayed with me. He was exactly that, a real person who wore his heart on his sleeve and not just a pretentious actor. Saddened and shocked by the loss of a one-of-a-kind actor and human being. Honest, fearless and always true to himself. An arresting actor, a towering personality, and an inferno of talent. Rest in peace, Nana sir. You will be deeply missed. Om Shanti".
Akshay Kumar feels fortunate to share a screen with Nana Patekar
Akshay Kumar reminisced the time he spent with Nana Patekar and feeld fortunate enough to have shared a screen with him. While paying a heartfelt tribute to Nana, he wrote, "Really saddened by the news of Nana ji’s passing. He was one of those rare actors who never needed to do too much to make you sit up and watch. That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance… he was completely his own. I feel fortunate that we got to work together in Welcome, and then again more recently in Housefull 5. There are so many memories from those sets that I’ll always hold close. Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It’s hard to believe you’re gone.
Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say."
Akshay Kumar reminisced the time he spent with Nana Patekar and feeld fortunate enough to have shared a screen with him. While paying a heartfelt tribute to Nana, he wrote, "Really saddened by the news of Nana ji’s passing. He was one of those rare actors who never needed to do too much to make you sit up and watch. That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance… he was completely his own. I feel fortunate that we got to work together in Welcome, and then again more recently in Housefull 5. There are so many memories from those sets that I’ll always hold close. Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It’s hard to believe you’re gone.
Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say."
Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks about the legend that Nana Patekar was and will always be!
Speaking on the demise of actor Nana Patekar, PM Modi says, "This morning we got the news that the renowned actor Nana Patekar is no longer with us. He was an exceptional artist who won the hearts of audiences through a variety of roles. Nana Patekar’s life was dedicated to the honour and glory of the Tricolour. He refused to be bound by constraints, like a 'Parinda', he soared through the vast skies of cinema. Through his films, he launched scathing attacks on the prevailing societal order. He was a true Krantiveer who fought against social evils. His silence was as impactful as his speech was powerful. He consistently advocated for keeping anti-national elements in check. I pay tribute to Nana Patekar and offer my condolences to his family and admirers."
Speaking on the demise of actor Nana Patekar, PM Modi says, "This morning we got the news that the renowned actor Nana Patekar is no longer with us. He was an exceptional artist who won the hearts of audiences through a variety of roles. Nana Patekar’s life was dedicated to the honour and glory of the Tricolour. He refused to be bound by constraints, like a 'Parinda', he soared through the vast skies of cinema. Through his films, he launched scathing attacks on the prevailing societal order. He was a true Krantiveer who fought against social evils. His silence was as impactful as his speech was powerful. He consistently advocated for keeping anti-national elements in check. I pay tribute to Nana Patekar and offer my condolences to his family and admirers."
Sunny Deol pays mourns the loss of Nana Patekar
Sharing how shocked he is on Nana's demise, Sunny Deol took to his Instagram handle and wrote, "Still can’t believe Nana is not among us. We never worked together, but we always shared a very special bond that went back many years. Fearless, full of life, he always did what he wanted to do. That’s how I’ll always remember him. Will miss you, Nana. "
Sharing how shocked he is on Nana's demise, Sunny Deol took to his Instagram handle and wrote, "Still can’t believe Nana is not among us. We never worked together, but we always shared a very special bond that went back many years. Fearless, full of life, he always did what he wanted to do. That’s how I’ll always remember him. Will miss you, Nana. "
Anees Bazmee in shock on hearing about Nana Patekar's demise
Taking to his social media handle, Aneez Bazmee (who directed Nana Patekar in "Welcome" expressed how he is not in the state to talk. While sharing about it, he wrote, "Deeply shocked….Unbearable pain.. Immeasurable loss… To all my media friends,
I’m really sorry, but I’m not in a condition to talk right now. I’m deeply saddened and still unable to process what has happened. Please give me some time. I genuinely don’t have the words or the state of mind to say anything at the moment. This is an unbearable loss and an unbearable pain for me and for all of us. I hope you understand.
Regards,
Anees Bazmee"
Taking to his social media handle, Aneez Bazmee (who directed Nana Patekar in "Welcome" expressed how he is not in the state to talk. While sharing about it, he wrote, "Deeply shocked….Unbearable pain.. Immeasurable loss… To all my media friends,
I’m really sorry, but I’m not in a condition to talk right now. I’m deeply saddened and still unable to process what has happened. Please give me some time. I genuinely don’t have the words or the state of mind to say anything at the moment. This is an unbearable loss and an unbearable pain for me and for all of us. I hope you understand.
Regards,
Anees Bazmee"
Superstar Rajinikanth mourns the loss of his friend Nana Patekar
Taking to his social media handle, Rajinikanth mourned the loss of his friend and prayed for strength towards his family. Rajinikanth wrote, "I can’t believe my dear friend Nanaji is no longer with us. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace".
Taking to his social media handle, Rajinikanth mourned the loss of his friend and prayed for strength towards his family. Rajinikanth wrote, "I can’t believe my dear friend Nanaji is no longer with us. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace".
Prakash Raj will always cherish his moments with Nana ji
While remembering all the moments he spent with Nana Patekar, actor Prakash Raj took to his Instagram handle and wrote, "miss you my dear Nana ji .. Will cherish the moments spent..conversations.. arguments.. the food you cooked.. knowledge you shared . thank you for coming into my life’s journey. RIP #nanapatekar"
While remembering all the moments he spent with Nana Patekar, actor Prakash Raj took to his Instagram handle and wrote, "miss you my dear Nana ji .. Will cherish the moments spent..conversations.. arguments.. the food you cooked.. knowledge you shared . thank you for coming into my life’s journey. RIP #nanapatekar"
Anupam Kher deeply shocked and saddened
Sharing all his amazing moments with Nana Patekar, Anupam Kher (who admired Nana immensely) wrote, "NANA PATEKAR THE GREATEST? A couple of hours ago, I received the heartbreaking news that my friend Nana Patekar, one of the finest actors and human beings in Indian cinema, is no more. I had just finished our performance and taken the curtain call. As I walked into the wings, my director Gajendra told me, “Nana is no more.” After that, I had to meet people, pose for photographs, smile, sit down for a meal… while trying to absorb what I had just heard. It was terribly difficult. But somewhere, I felt that Nana would have wanted me to finish my work. Fulfil my responsibility to the people who had come to see us. And then, perhaps, remember him. Actually, knowing him, I can almost hear him dismissing the very idea of a tribute: “So, what happened? Even if I die, what's the big deal in it? Everyone has to go one day!" That was Nana. Direct, unpretentious, with his own way of saying even the most difficult things. I will miss you, my friend. Your warmth. Your hugs. Your extraordinary performances. And whenever I miss seeing you, I will watch your films. Though today, I wish I could simply hug you one more time. My love and deepest condolences to your family and to everyone who loved you. Goodbye my dear friend, Nana Patekar! Immense love to you!"
Sharing all his amazing moments with Nana Patekar, Anupam Kher (who admired Nana immensely) wrote, "NANA PATEKAR THE GREATEST? A couple of hours ago, I received the heartbreaking news that my friend Nana Patekar, one of the finest actors and human beings in Indian cinema, is no more. I had just finished our performance and taken the curtain call. As I walked into the wings, my director Gajendra told me, “Nana is no more.” After that, I had to meet people, pose for photographs, smile, sit down for a meal… while trying to absorb what I had just heard. It was terribly difficult. But somewhere, I felt that Nana would have wanted me to finish my work. Fulfil my responsibility to the people who had come to see us. And then, perhaps, remember him. Actually, knowing him, I can almost hear him dismissing the very idea of a tribute: “So, what happened? Even if I die, what's the big deal in it? Everyone has to go one day!" That was Nana. Direct, unpretentious, with his own way of saying even the most difficult things. I will miss you, my friend. Your warmth. Your hugs. Your extraordinary performances. And whenever I miss seeing you, I will watch your films. Though today, I wish I could simply hug you one more time. My love and deepest condolences to your family and to everyone who loved you. Goodbye my dear friend, Nana Patekar! Immense love to you!"
