Nana Patekar Death: In what came as one of the most shocking news from Bollywood, Nana Patekar has breathed his last today (October 8, 2026). The veteran actor passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest while he was in Goa for an event. The media reports suggested that Nana Patekar was found unconscious at his residence hours after he had texted his friend about feeling unwell. While the medical team gave him CPR for around 45 minutes, but Nana Patekar was reportedly declared brought dead.
To note, the news of Nana’s unfortunate demise came just four days after his recent event in Goa wherein he stated, “We all have to go someday. I don’t know whether I will be here tomorrow. That time comes in the life of everyone. But before that time comes (we have to think, whether), am I able to do what I want to do? Have I made the effort?”. The news has left all his fans and friends in the industry heartbroken and condolences have been pouring in from all corners of the world. For the uninitiated, Nana Patekar is survived by his wife Neelkanti Patekar and son Malhar Patekar
Who Is Neelkanti Patekar?
To note, Neelakanti Patekar was born in Pune and grew up across different cities because of her father’s transferable government job in the Central Excise Department. She studied Physics and, encouraged by her father, appeared for the IIT entrance examination. She cleared it, but did not take the engineering path. Instead, she moved closer to theatre, where she found a more personal calling. She worked as a bank officer while continuing to explore theatre.
Neelakanti’s acting career began with strong roots in Marathi theatre. Her talent received early recognition in 1973, when she won the Gold Medal for Best Actress at the Maharashtra State Drama Competition. She later moved into Marathi cinema. One of her best-known film performances came in Aatm Vishwas, released in 1989. The film featured her opposite Sachin Pilgaonkar, who also directed it. Her work in the film earned her the Maharashtra State Government’s Best Actress award.
After years away from regular acting, Neelakanti returned to the screen with Chhaava, the historical drama featuring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna. She played the role of Dharau in the film, bringing renewed attention to her name.
Are Nana Patekar and Neelkanti Patekar Divorced?
Interestingly, Nana Patekar and Neelakanti reportedly met through Marathi theatre. Their shared creative space helped their friendship grow into a relationship. They married in 1978, at a time when Nana was still building his career and had not yet become one of Hindi and Marathi cinema’s most recognised performers. Their marriage saw both companionship and deep personal pain. The couple’s first child died when he was just two and a half years old. It was a devastating loss for the family. They later had another son, Malhar, who has largely stayed away from the constant spotlight surrounding his father.
Over time, Nana and Neelakanti’s relationship changed. They remained married but began living separately. In an interview reported by The Indian Express, Nana said, “Neelkanti and I shared numerous years of happiness together. We supported each other through thick and thin. But, over the years, we developed certain irreconcilable differences and grew apart. Today, we continue to be married but stay separately.”
To note, Nana Patekar’s last rites took place in Pune with state honours. Mourning Nana’s demise, President Droupadi Murmu tweeted, “Deeply saddened by the passing of veteran actor Shri Nana Patekar. Through his powerful and deeply evocative performances, he brought to life a wide range of human experiences. He portrayed characters that left a lasting imprint on the hearts and minds of people. His commitment to social service reflected his concern for the underprivileged. His passing is a great loss to Indian cinema. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers”.
