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By Chetanya Sarraf
Oct 08, 2026, 11:37 AM
Nana Patekar to Receive State Funeral in Maharashtra
Veteran actor Nana Patekar will be accorded a state funeral in Maharashtra following his death at the age of 75. Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar announced the decision, citing the actor’s immense contribution to Indian cinema.
Patekar died on Thursday, October 8, following a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. He was found unconscious and was taken to Manipal Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him. He was later declared dead.
His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from actors, filmmakers, political leaders and fans across the country.
The decision to accord him a state funeral recognises his long career in Hindi and Marathi cinema, as well as his contribution to theatre and social causes.
Nana Patekar Dies at 75
Nana Patekar was found unconscious at his residence in Goa in the early hours of Thursday. He was taken to Manipal Hospital after his condition worsened.
Doctors reportedly attempted resuscitation, but their efforts were unsuccessful. He was declared dead at the hospital. A medico-legal procedure and post-mortem were also reported as part of the process following his death.
Patekar’s death came as a shock to the Indian film industry because he remained a respected figure in both Hindi and Marathi entertainment.
Born Vishwanath Patekar in Maharashtra, he began his career in Marathi theatre before making his way into films. His acting style became known for its intensity, strong dialogue delivery and ability to portray emotionally complex characters.
Over several decades, he became one of India’s most recognisable performers. His work extended beyond acting, with Patekar also working as a director and contributing to theatre.
His career included critically acclaimed performances as well as popular commercial films. This combination helped him establish a connection with audiences across different generations.
State Funeral Announced
Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar announced that Patekar would be given a state funeral in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema.
The honour comes as Maharashtra and the wider film community mourn one of its most prominent actors. The decision reflects the significance of Patekar’s work in Marathi theatre and cinema as well as his wider influence on Indian films.
Patekar received the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to the arts. He was also a three-time National Film Award winner, highlighting the critical recognition he received during his career.
His performances covered a wide range of characters and genres. He appeared in serious dramas, action films and mainstream commercial cinema, while also taking on roles that became popular with a much wider audience.
The state funeral announcement adds another dimension to the tributes already being paid to the actor. Political leaders and members of the film industry have expressed condolences following his death.
The final arrangements, including the exact schedule and location of the last rites, remain subject to official announcements from the authorities and his family.
The announcement of a state funeral has added another dimension to the widespread public mourning. Maharashtra authorities said the honour recognises Patekar’s contribution to Marathi theatre and both Marathi and Hindi cinema.
His work also extended beyond acting, with directing, theatre and social initiatives forming important parts of his public life. His association with the Naam Foundation also brought attention to efforts supporting farmers and rural communities.
As tributes pour in, people are remembering the actor for his memorable film career as well as his decades-long involvement in theatre and social causes, which extended his impact beyond cinema.
A Career Across Cinema
Patekar began his film career in the late 1970s and gradually established himself through distinctive performances. His early work helped him build a reputation as an actor capable of handling demanding and unconventional roles.
Films such as Parinda, Prahaar, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan, Welcome and Natsamrat became important parts of his filmography.
His acclaimed role in Krantiveer won him the National Film Award for Best Actor. He also won National Film Awards for his supporting performances in Parinda and Agni Sakshi.
Patekar’s popularity extended across generations. While his serious performances earned critical acclaim, his later roles in mainstream films introduced him to younger audiences.
His portrayal of Uday Shetty in Welcome became particularly popular and demonstrated his ability to combine comic timing with the intensity associated with his earlier work.
He was also involved with theatre and filmmaking, allowing him to contribute to Indian performing arts beyond conventional acting roles.
His career therefore represented several different phases of Indian cinema, from parallel and serious films to commercial entertainers.
Patekar’s ability to move between intense dramatic roles and lighter commercial characters became one of the defining features of his career. He developed a distinctive screen presence that made his performances recognisable to audiences.
His contribution to Marathi cinema and theatre was also important. While Hindi films brought him national popularity, his connection with Maharashtra’s cultural and theatrical traditions remained an important part of his professional identity.
Tributes Pour In
News of Patekar’s death led to tributes from across the film industry and political circles. Colleagues remembered him for his acting ability, distinctive personality and contribution to Indian cinema.
Several public figures also highlighted his work outside entertainment. Patekar was associated with social initiatives and worked on causes involving farmers and rural communities through the Naam Foundation.
His connection with social work added another dimension to his public life. Beyond the screen, he was involved in efforts aimed at supporting communities affected by financial and agricultural difficulties.
Political leaders have also expressed grief over his passing. Tributes have described him as a talented performer whose contribution extended across cinema, theatre and social work.
For audiences, Patekar leaves behind a body of work spanning several decades. His performances in both serious and commercial films helped establish a distinctive place for him in Indian cinema.
The state funeral announcement is expected to mark a formal farewell to the veteran actor in Maharashtra. It also reflects the state’s recognition of his contribution to the arts.
As the film industry continues to pay tribute, Patekar’s work is likely to remain part of discussions about some of the most memorable performances in Hindi and Marathi cinema.
His death marks the end of a long career that crossed genres, languages and generations. While fans and colleagues mourn his passing, his films and performances will continue to form an important part of his legacy.
For Maharashtra’s cultural community, his passing also represents the loss of an artist whose career connected theatre, regional cinema and mainstream Bollywood. The state funeral will provide an official farewell while the film fraternity and audiences remember the many roles that shaped his career.
Source: ANI
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