Nana Patekar dies at 75: Odisha film industry mourns an era of powerful acting

Bhubaneswar, October 8: Veteran actor Nana Patekar, whose intense screen presence, distinctive voice and powerful performances made him one of Indian cinema’s most recognisable actors, died on Thursday at the age of 75.

Patekar died after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa, bringing to an end a career spanning nearly five decades across Hindi and Marathi cinema, theatre and filmmaking.

The news triggered an outpouring of tributes from across the country, including from Odisha’s film fraternity.

Odia actor and producer Jhilik Bhattacharjee paid tribute to the veteran actor, describing his passing as the “End of an era.”

Others including Babushaan Mohanty and others also paid tribute to the actor.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also expressed grief over Patekar’s demise.
“The demise of veteran actor Nana Patekar Ji is a great loss to Indian cinema. Through his exceptional talent, powerful performances and enduring contribution to the arts, he left an indelible mark on generations of audiences,” Majhi said.

“May Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath grant eternal peace to the departed soul and provide strength and solace to his family, friends and countless admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” he added.

An actor who made intensity his signature
Born Vishwanath Patekar in Maharashtra in 1951, Nana Patekar began his journey in Marathi theatre before moving into films. He made his Hindi film debut with Gaman in 1978 and gradually established himself as an actor capable of bringing extraordinary intensity and realism to his characters.
Unlike conventional Bollywood stars, Patekar rarely depended on glamour. His greatest strength was his ability to command a scene through his eyes, voice, body language and dialogue delivery.

He first drew widespread attention with films such as Ankush, before delivering a series of acclaimed performances that cemented his reputation as one of India’s finest character actors.

His portrayal of a gangster in Parinda earned widespread acclaim, while films such as Prahaar: The Final Attack, Khamoshi: The Musical, Krantiveer, Tirangaa and Ab Tak Chhappan showcased different facets of his acting ability.
He also appeared in Mira Nair’s internationally acclaimed Salaam Bombay! and later demonstrated his comic timing as the eccentric don Uday Shetty in Welcome.
From Krantiveer to Welcome
Patekar’s filmography was remarkable for its range.

In Krantiveer (1994), he played an explosive and rebellious protagonist, delivering one of the most memorable performances of his career. His roles in Tirangaa and Prahaar further strengthened his image as an actor capable of portraying characters driven by patriotism, anger and moral conviction.
But he was never confined to intense roles.

His performance in Khamoshi: The Musical revealed a deeply emotional side, while Welcome introduced him to a new generation of audiences through comedy.
His later Marathi performance in Natsamrat was another landmark, with Patekar portraying an ageing theatre actor confronting loneliness, family and the loss of his place on stage.

A career beyond acting
Patekar was also a director and writer. He directed Prahaar: The Final Attack, besides acting in the film.

His association with the Territorial Army and his interest in military life also influenced his work and public image. He underwent military training while preparing for Prahaar, in which he played an Army officer.
Away from cinema, Patekar was associated with philanthropic work, particularly initiatives aimed at helping farmers and rural communities. He co-founded the Naam Foundation with actor Makarand Anaspure in 2015.
Awards and recognition
Patekar’s contribution to Indian cinema was recognised with three National Film Awards and the Padma Shri, among several other honours.
Across nearly five decades, he created characters that were often raw, flawed, angry, vulnerable and deeply human.
His performances did not always seek to entertain. Often, they confronted audiences, forcing them to look at anger, injustice, loneliness, corruption and social conflict.
That ability to make even a supporting or unconventional character unforgettable became the hallmark of Nana Patekar’s cinema.

With his death, Indian cinema has lost an actor whose voice, intensity and individuality became inseparable from some of its most memorable characters.
For generations of audiences, Nana Patekar was not merely an actor on screen. He was an era of acting in himself.