Veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar has passed away at the age of 75. His son, Malhar, confirmed the news, stating that the acclaimed performer died following a cardiac arrest at their residence in Goa.

According to medical personnel at Manipal Hospital in Goa, the actor lost consciousness at his apartment during the early hours of Thursday and was transported to the medical facility immediately. Despite nearly three-quarters of an hour of uninterrupted resuscitation efforts, medical staff were unable to revive him.

Born in Maharashtra in 1951, Patekar built a legendary career spanning decades across Bollywood, regional Marathi cinema, and the stage. He initially established himself in theatrical productions, cultivating a distinct intensity and discipline that later defined his cinematic presence. Notable stage works included prominent roles in plays such as Purush and Hamidabai Chi Kothi.

He entered the film industry with a minor part in the 1978 feature Gaman and spent years taking on supporting characters before breaking through to mainstream recognition. His career-defining turning point arrived in 1989 when he was cast in the crime drama Parinda. His portrayal of the volatile and menacing gangster Anna earned widespread acclaim alongside his first National Film Award and Filmfare Award.

Throughout the 1990s, Patekar cemented his status as a versatile powerhouse through a diverse array of roles. He portrayed a patriotic firebrand in Tirangaa, a cunning villain in Angaar, and a dedicated military officer in Prahaar, a project he also directed. His compelling performance as an ordinary man pushed to extremes in Krantiveer secured him another national award for best actor.

Patekar repeatedly defied typecasting by stepping away from loud, volatile personas to embrace deeply nuanced characters. He delivered a memorable, understated performance as a deaf-mute father in the musical drama Khamoshi and later showcased his range by playing a calculating, astute politician in the 2010 political thriller Rajneeti. His trophy case included three National Film Awards, recognizing his work in Parinda, Krantiveer, and Agni Sakshi.

Beyond his acting credits, Patekar maintained an active presence in humanitarian efforts and public advocacy. He frequently voiced strong, unfiltered criticisms of government policies, focusing particularly on the struggles faced by agricultural communities. In 2015, alongside fellow actor Makarand Anaspure, he launched the Naam Foundation, an organization dedicated to rural welfare, water conservation projects, and infrastructure development across Maharashtra.

Patekar's later years also involved public controversy. In 2018, allegations of sexual harassment were brought against him by actor Tanushree Dutta regarding an event on a movie set a decade prior, which became a significant catalyst for India's #MeToo movement. Patekar consistently denied the accusations, and police cleared him of the charges in 2019 due to a lack of sufficient evidence.

Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.