To be cremated with full State Honours tomorrow

Mumbai: National Film Awards winner and veteran actor Vishwanath Patekar, popularly known as Nana Patekar, passed away this morning at the age of 75 after suffering a heart attack at his residence in Goa, his relatives in Mumbai confirmed.

According to reports, Patekar was found unconscious at his residence and was immediately taken to a hospital. Doctors tried to revive him, but he could not be saved.

Patekar was one of the most respected actors in Hindi and Marathi cinema and was known for his powerful performances and distinctive dialogue delivery. He had a long career spanning several decades and appeared in many critically acclaimed and commercially successful films.

Some of his best-known films include Parinda, Krantiveer, Ab Tak Chhappan, Natsamrat and Welcome. He was a recipient of three National Film Awards and several other honours.

Away from limelight, Patekar’s personal life also saw its share of difficulties. He married Neelkanti in 1978 and the couple had two sons, Durvasa and Malhar.

Their elder son, Durvasa, died at a young age following illness. Nana and Neelkanti later lived separately due to personal differences, although they continued to remain legally married.

Known for his distinctive voice, powerful dialogue delivery and expressive body language, he often relied on silence and intensity rather than glamour.

Last rites will be held at his farmhouse in Pune on Friday, said a representative of his social organisation Naam Foundation.

Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar has confirmed that Patekar will be accorded a State funeral in recognition of his contribution to theatre as well as cinema.