Mumbai: The news of veteran actor Nana Patekar’s death has left the film fraternity mourning. Actors including Manoj Bajpayee, Manisha Koirala, and Divya Dutta remembered the veteran actor and his enduring contribution to cinema.
Manoj expressed shock and disbelief over Patekar’s passing, recalling how the veteran actor’s journey had inspired many aspiring artistes who came to Mumbai in search of opportunities. “Shocking! Still cannot believe Nana Patekar ji is no more. For so many of us who came to Mumbai hoping to find a place in films, his journey gave us hope,” Bajpayee wrote.
He further remembered Patekar as an artist who demonstrated that an actor’s craft, individuality, and authenticity could help create a distinct identity in the film industry. “We have lost one of our finest actors. You will be deeply missed, Nana ji. Om Shanti,” he added.
Shocking! Still cannot believe Nana Patekar ji is no more.
For so many of us who came to Mumbai hoping to find a place in films, his journey gave us hope. He made you believe that your craft, your individuality and being true to who you are could be enough to make your own place.
We have lost one of our finest actors.
You will be deeply missed, Nana ji. Om Shanti. 🙏🏽
— manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) October 8, 2026
Manisha Koirala also paid tribute to the veteran star. She remembered him as a remarkable performer whose dedication to his craft made an enduring contribution to cinema.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of a great actor, a remarkable presence and a true stalwart of the craft. His contribution to cinema and his dedication to his craft will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti,” Koirala said.
Deeply saddened by the passing of a great actor, a remarkable presence and a true stalwart of the craft.
His contribution to cinema and his dedication to his craft will always be remembered.
May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 https://t.co/B85M39WIte
— Manisha Koirala (@mkoirala) October 8, 2026
Nana Patekar and Manisha Koirala shared the screen in the 1996 psychological thriller-drama Agni Sakshi, helmed by director Partho Ghosh. The two actors also worked together in films such as Yugpurush and Khamoshi: The Musical.
Divya Dutta, meanwhile, shared an emotional tribute, saying she was still struggling to process the news. She recalled Patekar’s warmth, humour and the occasional calls he made after watching her work. She also remembered the advice and affection she received from the veteran actor.
Sharing their throwback picture, the ‘Veer-Zara’ actress wrote, “Havent really been able to.process this news!!! NANA SIRE…this is saddenning!!.. ill always remember your warmth and occassional calls when you saw any of my work!! Or just checking on me! Your humour ,your advice ..will always ring in my ears.and stay in my heart..and sire…thankyou for your cinema!!! You left us a legacy !!!RIP…”
Deeply saddened by the passing of a great actor, a remarkable presence and a true stalwart of the craft.
His contribution to cinema and his dedication to his craft will always be remembered.
May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 https://t.co/B85M39WIte
— Manisha Koirala (@mkoirala) October 8, 2026
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.”
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 🕊️ @nanagpatekar
— Randeep Hooda (@RandeepHooda) October 8, 2026
Sunny Deol took to Instagram 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.”
Suniel Shetty expressed his shock and wrote: “Absolutely shocking!!! They don’t make men like you anymore. So deeply rooted no matter how high you rose.”
He added: “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.”
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.
— Suniel Shetty (@SunielVShetty) October 8, 2026
Actor Arjun Rampal was left devastated and deeply saddened with the news of Nana Patekar’s passing.
He wrote: “Devastated, shocked and deeply saddened to wake up to this news. Can’t believe it, this is a huge huge loss to the industry and to all of us, especially people who knew @iamnanapatekar sir personally, whose lives he touched.”
The actor added: “He lived on his terms, acted effortlessly, shared and most importantly cared. You will be missed Sir. Thank you for the beautiful performances and unforgettable memories. Prayers for your journey ahead and deepest condolences to your family. RIP.”
Veteran actor Boman Irani said the news is “difficult, painful and emotional.”
“I was on my morning walk when I received the sad call. Strangely, a morning walk was his regular advice for me. “Come on, Boman. Walk, walk,” he always said. I’m heartbroken, but we should not let our sorrow obscure his contribution to cinema and theatre. Good man, no more. Will miss you, Nana. Will keep walking,” he wrote.
Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri said that artistes like Nana Patekar “never die.”
Vivek Agnihotri wrote: “Kya yaar Nana retake ka bhi time nahi diya, Artists like you Nana never die.Go, make life hell of people in the heaven.”
Nana, Artists like you never die.
Go, Nana, make their life hell in Heaven. Tell them they ain’t writing good characters and scripts these days. https://t.co/jEI4DbBI4M
— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) October 8, 2026
Filmmaker Subhash Ghai bid goodbye to Nana Patekar.
He wrote: “GOOD BYE NANA. MARATHI N HINDI CINEMA N STAGE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU. For being a real NUT SMRAAT ON SCREENA being a great friend without transactions A most honest soul to yourself. A great cook at home like mother. A Rare person n unique philosopher n philanthropist We all loved u n shall love u for good. RIP.”
Taking to his social media account, Akshay Kumar 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.”
Recalling their professional association, Akshay added, “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.”
Akshay further remembered the legendary actor as a performer who was truly one of a kind, and wrote, “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.”
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 (@akshaykumar) October 8, 2026
Taking to X, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma wrote: “YES, everybody knows nobody is immortal… But I still can’t believe this can so suddenly happen to a man , as strong as him .. I hate his heart for failing him and I feel like killing GOD for killing the GOD of acting , NANA PATEKAR.
YES, everybody knows nobody is immortal .. But I still can’t believe this can so suddenly happen to a man , as strong as him .. I hate his heart for failing him and I feel like killing GOD for killing the GOD of acting , NANA PATEKAR .
— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) October 8, 2026
Actor Ananth Mahadevan called the loss as “heartbreaking” as he was flooded with memories of togetherness.
“This is shocking.. heartbreaking… flood of memories of togetherness and life’s philosophies.. shared a wonderful working and personal relationship. Short of words.. the grief is unbearable,” he wrote.
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar said: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of veteran actor Nana Patekar Dada.”
“Alongside his exceptional contributions to theatre and films, his remarkable work for society’s underprivileged sections & our farming community will always inspire generations to come. My thoughts and deepest prayers are with his family and fans during this painful time. #OmShanti.”
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of veteran actor Nana Patekar Dada. Alongside his exceptional contributions to theatre and films, his remarkable work for society’s underprivileged sections & our farming community will always inspire generations to come. 🙏 My thoughts and deepest prayers are with his family and fans during this painful time. #OmShanti 🙏
— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) October 8, 2026
Actor Manoj Joshi added: “Coming from an ordinary family, the heights he achieved through his hard work and acting prowess are truly inspiring. Today, there is grief over the loss of an artist, but even more so over the loss of that person who strived to do something for others in his life. His social contributions for farmers and needy families will always be remembered.”
He said that Nana was a “sensitive” human being as well.
“Nana was not just an exceptional actor; he was a sensitive human being as well. His passing feels like the loss of a real-life hero from our midst. My tribute to Nana, the real-life hero of the theater and cinema world. May God grant peace to his soul. Om Shanti!”
आज गोवा से नाना पाटेकर जी के निधन की खबर सुनकर बेहद दुखी और स्तब्ध हूँ। उन्होंने कभी नायक की छवि के पीछे भागने की कोशिश नहीं की, फिर भी उनके निभाए किरदार लोगों के दिल में हमेशा नायक बने रहे।
साधारण परिवार से निकलकर अपनी मेहनत और अदाकारी के दम पर उन्होंने जो मुकाम हासिल किया, वह प्रेरणादायक है। आज एक कलाकार के जाने का दुख तो है ही, लेकिन उससे भी ज्यादा उस इंसान के जाने का है, जिसने अपनी जिंदगी में दूसरों के लिए भी कुछ करने की कोशिश की। किसानों और जरूरतमंद परिवारों के लिए उनका सामाजिक योगदान भी हमेशा याद किया जाएगा।
नाना केवल एक बेहतरीन अभिनेता नहीं थे, वे संवेदनशील इंसान भी थे। उनके जाने से ऐसा लग रहा है जैसे असली जिंदगी का एक नायक हमारे बीच नहीं रहा।
रंगमंच और सिनेमा जगत के रीअल लाइफ हीरो नाना को मेरी श्रद्धांजलि। ईश्वर उनकी आत्मा को शांति दे। ॐ शांति!
— Manoj Joshi (@actormanojjoshi) October 8, 2026
Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar wrote: “There are some who leave a void in their absence. Nana Patekar was one such person, whose presence could fill up a room and he was a generational talent who commanded our attention when on screen.”
“His work in the arts and his commitment to social causes remain an inspiration to us all.RIP You will be missed sir but never forgotten.”
There are some who leave a void in their absence. Nana Patekar was one such person, whose presence could fill up a room and he was a generational talent who commanded our attention when on screen.
His work in the arts and his commitment to social causes remain an inspiration to us all.
RIP 🙏🏽♥️ You will be missed sir but never forgotten.— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) October 8, 2026
Kangana Ranaut said the news was particularly shocking because Patekar appeared to be in good health.
“Such terrible and tragic news especially because Nana ji looked so fit and healthy. OM Shanti,” she wrote.
Such a beautiful ode to the legacy of a great artist and nationalist Nana Patekar ji.
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) October 8, 2026
Ranveer Singh and Kiara Advani paid tribute to Patekar by sharing a photograph of him on her Instagram Stories.
Hrithik Roshan said he will always seek inspiration from Nana’s “hard-hitting performances, effortless comic timing and unforgettable characters”.
“Rest in peace, dear Nana sir. Thank you for giving us such authentic and entertaining cinema… Watching your genius on screen while growing up was a masterclass,” he said.
Rest in peace, dear Nana Sir 🙏🏻 Thank you for giving us such authentic and entertaining cinema. Your hard-hitting performances, effortless comic timing and unforgettable characters will always be an inspiration. Watching your genius onscreen while growing up was a masterclass.
My condolences to the Patekar family and friends. Om Shanti. 🙏🏻
— Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) October 8, 2026
Imtiaz Ali posted a photo of Nana on Instagram and wrote, “The artist lives forever.”
Sanjay Dutt said Nana’s death is a huge loss to the film industry.
“It’s still hard to believe that my brother, my friend Nana, is no longer with us. I have so many fond memories of the time we spent together, memories I will always hold close… We have lost a remarkable actor, a great artist and a truly special human being.”
It’s still hard to believe that my brother, my friend Nana is no longer with us. I have so many fond memories of the time we spent together, memories I will always hold close. His passing is a huge loss, not just for those who knew and loved him, but for the entire film industry. We have lost a remarkable actor, a great artist and a truly special human being. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Nana 🙏
— Sanjay Dutt (@duttsanjay) October 8, 2026
Raveena Tandon said she 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.”
Paresh Rawal, another co-star from “Welcome”, posted, on X, “Bhau… Nana Saheb.
Insanely honest and intense. Love and respect for ever.”
BHAU .
NANA SAHEB .
INSANELY HONEST AND INTENSE.
LOVE AND RESPECT FOR EVER .
AUM SHANTI 🙏— Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) October 8, 2026
Calling Patekar a “legend”, Madhavan said he was deeply moved and inspired by his performance in the 1991 critically-acclaimed movie film “Prahaar: The Final Attack”.
“A legend moves on. Thank you for the unforgettable moments in the Theatres, and the invaluable lessons to actors. I still remember exactly how moved and inspired I felt after watching ‘Prahaar’. There will be none other like you, sir. RIP,” Madhavan said on his Instagram Stories.
Anupam Kher, who is currently in the US, said Nana’s sudden death was “incredibly difficult” to accept.
“Direct, unpretentious, with his own way of saying even the most difficult things. I will miss you, my friend. Your warmth. Your hugs.”
“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,” Rajinikanth posted on X.
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.
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) October 8, 2026
Parinda co-star Madhuri Dixit remembered Nana as a “great artist, an influential personality and an unforgettable voice”.
“With Nana Patekar’s passing, the film industry has lost a truly priceless and legendary artist. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones,” she said on Instagram.
Padma Shri awardee Nana Patekar passed away October 8, 2026, aged 75. Reports said he was found unconscious at his Goa residence after experiencing intense chest discomfort.
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