Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli on Thursday paid tribute to veteran actor Nana Patekar following his death at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa. Kohli reflected on the legacy Patekar built in Hindi and Marathi cinema and the one he leaves behind, adding that his work will be cherished for generations. The veteran actor was found unconscious and was subsequently rushed to Manipal Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him with prolonged CPR. However, their efforts proved unsuccessful, and he was declared dead.
“A true legend of Indian cinema. His work and legacy will live on for generations. Rest in peace, Nana Patekar ji. Om Shanti,” Kohli posted on X.
A true legend of Indian cinema. His work and legacy will live on for generations. Rest in peace, Nana Patekar ji. Om Shanti.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 8, 2026
Former India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar also mourned the death of the veteran actor and Padma Shri awardee.
“I remember Nana Patekar as a very straightforward and grounded person. His work had that same honesty to it. Whether it was in Marathi or Hindi, he always brought something very real to the characters he played.Very sad to hear about his passing. My condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti,” Tendulkar wrote.
I remember Nana Patekar as a very straightforward and grounded person. His work had that same honesty to it. Whether it was in Marathi or Hindi, he always brought something very real to the characters he played. Very sad to hear about his passing. My condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 8, 2026
“An era ends with the passing of a true legend. Nana Patekar ji-your powerful performances, honesty, and simplicity made you one of Indian cinema’s most unforgettable artists. You will always be remembered,” Suresh Raina said.
An era ends with the passing of a true legend. Nana Patekar ji – your powerful performances, honesty and simplicity made you one of Indian cinema’s most unforgettable artists. You will always be remembered. https://t.co/EMeIBNIiAk
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) October 8, 2026
“Cinema has lost a true legend, one of the finest actors we have ever seen! I remember watching so many of his films and being mesmerised by his voice, his presence and his unforgettable performances. My condolences to his family,” Yuvraj Singh wrote on X.
Cinema has lost a true legend, one of the finest actors we have ever seen! I remember watching so many of his films and being mesmerised by his voice, his presence and his unforgettable performances. My condolences to his family. Om Shanti #NanaPatekar ji https://t.co/oVYVpw9AYw
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) October 8, 2026
Patekar made his Hindi film debut with Gaman in 1978. One of the defining milestones of Nana Patekar’s career came with Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Parinda in 1989. His portrayal of the ruthless crime boss Anna earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.
In 2013, he was honoured with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, for his contribution to the arts and cinema. Beyond cinema, the legendary star was also associated with social initiatives, particularly work supporting farmers and families affected by drought in Maharashtra.
(With IANS Inputs)