Veteran actor Nana Patekar has died at the age of 75 after suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his residence. Despite receiving continuous CPR for 45 minutes, the actor could not be revived, according to Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Oncology Department at Manipal Hospital, as reported by ANI.The veteran actor had once expressed desire to act in Malayalam cinema. The actor had attended the opening ceremony of the 28th International Film Festival of Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram. During the event, Nana Patekar spoke about his connection with the state and also revealed his interest in acting in a Malayalam film.
Nana Patekar remembered his Kerala connection
Nana Patekar had visited Kerala several decades ago for a film shoot. While speaking at IFFK, he recalled how his experience of the state had remained meaningful over the years.As reported by Mathrubhumi News, Nana Patekar said, ” I first came to Kerala 32 years ago for a film shoot. Since then, nothing has changed in the social and political situation. People think more with their hearts. So, even though the languages are different, it is easy to communicate. That is how it should be.”
He wanted to act in a Malayalam film
Nana Patekar revealed that he had never received an offer from a Malayalam filmmaker during his five-decade career. The actor spoke about the situation with characteristic humor.“In the last 50 years, not a single director from here (Kerala) has approached me… That means I have to improve as an actor. I will try my best and I will not disappoint you,” he quipped.Although Nana Patekar had worked in several Indian film industries, he never appeared in a Malayalam production.
Nana Patekar’s career in Indian cinema
Nana Patekar began his acting career in Hindi cinema with the 1978 drama ‘Gaman’. He later worked in both Marathi and Hindi films before gaining wider recognition through significant roles. His breakthrough came with the crime drama ‘Parinda’, where he played a gangster. He subsequently appeared in several commercially successful and critically acclaimed films.His popular credits include ‘Welcome’, ‘Welcome Back’ and ‘Raajneeti’. Nana Patekar also earned acclaim for his performance in the Marathi film ‘Natsamrat’, which was released in 2016.
His work across languages
Nana Patekar also ventured into Tamil cinema. He made his Tamil debut with the bilingual film ‘Bommalattam’ in 2008. He later appeared alongside Rajinikanth in ‘Kaala’, released in 2018.Beyond acting, Nana Patekar also worked as a director. His directorial work included ‘Prahaar: The Final Attack’. His filmography consequently covered Hindi, Marathi and Tamil cinema during different stages of his career.
