08 October,2026 01:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Riteish Deshmukh, Nana Patekar, and Akshay Kumar Pics via X, Instagram
The nation woke up to the heartbreaking news of actor Nana Patekar's death on Thursday morning at the age of 75. The legendary actor suffered a cardiac arrest at his Goa residence during the wee hours of Thursday. As the news of his passing started doing the rounds, many, including celebrities, paid tribute to the late actor on social media.
Actor Riteish Deshmukh was among the first people to express his grief over the death of Nana Patekar. Taking to X, he 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."
He added, "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 !!!!"
Ravi Kishan also took to Instagram to share a photo of the late actor and wrote, "My heart is very sad to hear the sad news of the demise of Nana Patekar ji this morning. Despite being a star, Nana ji, who stayed away from stardom, was one of the great actors of Indian cinema, whose identity was with her simplicity, spontaneity and clay-related personality. He never left his roots and rituals despite being in the dazzling of Mumbai."
He further added, "I had an intimate relationship with Nana ji. Used to interact with them from time to time. I learned a lot from his acting, simplicity and his attitude towards life. They always gave affection and encouragement. His departure is a major loss to me personally too. The demise of Nana Patekar is an irreparable loss to the Indian film industry. His art, simplicity and memories will live among us forever. May God grant the departed soul a place in His feet and give his family and all loved ones the strength to endure this immense grief. Om Shanti."
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."
Nana's co-star Akshay Kumar shared a glimpse from their 2007 hit Welcome on X, and said, "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," he added.
Prakash Raj also shared a picture with Nana 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. "
Jr NTR expressed sorrow saying, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Nana Patekar sir, one of Indian cinema's finest actors. There was an unmistakable honesty and intensity in every character he portrayed. His performances never felt like acting, but life unfolding on screen. A remarkable artist whose contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered for generations."
He added, "Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti"
Sanjay Kapoor took Instagram to share a picture with the late actor and wrote, "What a huge loss for the industry, and what an incredibly personal loss it is for me. Nana Sir was not just a colleague; he was a dear friend and an elder brother who always treated me like his younger brother."
He recalled working with him saying, "I had a very, very long association with him throughout my career. In fact, my career began with him. He was supposed to play my elder brother in Raja, and I had the privilege of shooting 7-8 days with him. He was also a part of my film Shakti, and we had just worked together again on Sankalp, which recently released.
Nana's Welcome director Anees Bazmee issued a statement saying he wasn't in the state to talk about the demise. He wrote, "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."
Pankaj Tripathi shared, "Nana ji's passing is an incredibly painful loss for our entire fraternity it's a deeply personal loss for me. I had the privilege of sharing screen space with him in Kaala, and that experience will always remain very special to me. He was not just a co-actor but someone who would guide me on the craft, life choices and the smallest nuances of acting. I learnt a lot just by watching him and listening to him. His guidance meant a great deal to me. For me, this feels like losing a Guru. His absence will always be felt, but his lessons and his extraordinary body of work will continue to inspire me and generations of actors to come."
Veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026, after suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa, his son Malhar Patekar confirmed to mid-day. He was found unconscious and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead at around 5.20 AM.
Dr Shekhar Salkar, Chief of Oncology Department at Manipal Hospital, told ANI, "Despite 45 minutes of continuous CPR, he could not be revived. A medico-legal case (MLC) has been registered, and a post-mortem will be conducted."
