09 October,2026 07:45 AM IST | Panaji | A Correspondent
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis (in blue jacket) and family members of the late Nana Patekar carry the latter’s mortal remains upon arrival at the airport, in Pune. Pic/PTI
Actor Nana Patekar's mortal remains reached Pune late Thursday night, and he was accorded a state funeral, officials said.
Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said that Patekar was accorded a state funeral in recognition of his contribution to theatre and cinema.
Several leaders, including Goa Culture Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, BJP leader and MLA Govind Gaude, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Girish Chodankar and others, paid tributes to Patekar at Goa Medical College and Hospital here. Patekar's son Malhar and nephew Sachin Patekar were present at the hospital when an autopsy was conducted.
CM Devendra Fadnavis said, "Nana always remained at the forefront when it came to helping farmers and extending a helping hand during droughts. Even this year, as we face drought, he would not have stayed away, but he has suddenly left us."
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said, "Some people leave behind memories. A few leave behind a part of themselves in our lives. Nana was one of them."
"Naam Foundation's contribution towards helping drought-affected people has been immense. When I travelled through drought-hit areas, I saw Nana's people doing excellent work at several places. Nana would stand with people during such crises, which gave them a different kind of confidence. That absence will certainly be felt today," said Sharad Pawar, NCP chief.
Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister and BJP leader Ashish Shelar called him a "fearless actor," saying the Indian film industry had lost a sensitive, talented and authentic artiste.
Actor-producer Riteish Deshmukh said he was "shocked beyond words," stressing that Patekar was incomparable in his craft.
