New Delhi: BJP leaders, including Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah and Nitin Gadkari, Thursday condoled the demise of veteran actor Nana Patekar, saying he was an institution in himself who immortalised many characters.
Patekar, known for his versatility and powerful screen presence, passed away at his Goa residence early Thursday. He was 76.
In a post on X, Defence Minister Singh said, “The passing of veteran actor Nana Patekar is an irreparable loss to Indian cinema”.
“He could make audiences laugh with impeccable comic timing, yet in films like Ankush, Prahaar, and Krantiveer he brought a rawness and gravitas that made every character unforgettable. His voice, presence and ability to inhabit completely different worlds made him truly unique,” he said.
Patekar was “not merely an actor” but “an institution in himself”, Singh said, adding that his contribution to Indian cinema would continue to inspire generations.
The passing of veteran actor Nana Patekar is an irreparable loss to Indian cinema.
Few actors possessed his extraordinary versatility and intensity. He could make audiences laugh with impeccable comic timing, yet in films like Ankush, Prahaar, and Krantiveer he brought a rawness and gravitas that made every character unforgettable. His voice, presence and ability to inhabit completely different worlds made him truly unique.
Nana Patekar was not merely an actor; he was an institution in himself. His remarkable contribution to Indian cinema will continue to inspire generations.
My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti!
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 8, 2026
Home Minister Shah said the passing of the great Indian cinema actor is an “irreparable loss to the world of art”.
“Over five decades, with his natural acting and powerful dialogue delivery, he left an indelible mark on the hearts of audiences. Whether it was serious social issues or humour-satire, he brought to life every character he portrayed,” Shah said.
“Through the ‘Naam Foundation,’ serving drought-stricken farmer families, or going to the border to boost the morale of soldiers, even after reaching the pinnacle of fame, he remained connected to his roots. Whenever I met him, his simplicity and straightforwardness always left a deep impression,” he added.
The demise of the great actor of Indian cinema Nana Patekar is an irreparable loss for the art world. For five decades, he left an indelible impression on the minds of the audience with his effortless acting and powerful dialogue delivery. Be it serious social issues or comedy, he brought alive the character he played. Be it serving the farmer families suffering from drought through 'Naam Foundation' or going to the border to encourage the soldiers, he remained connected to his soil even after reaching the pinnacle of fame. Whenever I met him, his simplicity and frankness always impressed me. May God give strength to the bereaved family and fans to bear this sorrow and give peace to the departed soul at his feet.
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 8, 2026
Recalling the close bond she shared with the actor, BJP leader Smriti Irani said she addressed him as “Dada”.
“I would call him out of the blue, sometimes just to put him on the phone with young talent who admired the legend. And he would oblige, with all the warmth that lay beneath that unmistakably gruff exterior,” she said on X.
“Today, among the memories I hold closest is one of him cooking for me. No special occasion. Just Dada, being Dada,” he said.
Recalling their last conversation, Irani said Patekar had asked her, “Aa re Pune, kadhi yeshil?” (Come to Pune, when will you visit?), to which she had replied, “Soon.”
“Guess was not soon enough,” she said, adding, “See you on the other side, Dada.”
Dada. That’s what I called him, while the world knew him as Nana Patekar.
His calls were as random as they were precious. No formalities, no pleasantries. Just that familiar voice – “Kahan hai re?”
We barely ever photographed our moments together. Perhaps because one could never imagine there would come a day when photographs would be all I am left with.
I would call him out of the blue, sometimes just to put him on the phone with young talent who admired the legend. And he would oblige, with all the warmth that lay beneath that unmistakably gruff exterior.
Today, among the memories I hold closest is one of him cooking for me. No special occasion . Just Dada, being Dada.
Our last conversation still echoes in my ears.
“Aa re Pune, kadhi yeshil?”
Come to Pune, when will you visit?I said, “Soon.”
Guess was not soon enough.
See you on the other side, Dada. ❤️
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) October 8, 2026
Transport Minister Gadkari said the news of Patekar’s demise was “extremely shocking and heartbreaking”, recalling his close and friendly relations with the actor.
“Through his powerful acting, Nana Patekar dominated the hearts of discerning audiences for over five decades via Marathi and Hindi cinema,” Gadkari said.
“With his distinctive style of dialogue delivery, he immortalized many characters in films and created his unique identity. His departure is a great loss to the Indian film industry,” he said.
Highlighting Patekar’s social work, Gadkari said, “The work he did in the rural areas of Maharashtra in the fields of water conservation and watershed management through the ‘Naam Foundation’ is noteworthy and significant. The helping hand he extended to the families of farmers who committed suicide became a support for many families. Nana was not only an excellent artist-actor but also a personality sensitive towards society.”
The news of the demise of the veteran Indian film actor Nana Patekar is very shocking and sad. My heartfelt tribute to him. Nana and I had a very close and friendly relationship. For more than five decades, Nana Patekar ruled the hearts of the audience through Marathi and Hindi films with his powerful acting. With his characteristic dialogue style, he portrayed many characters in the film and created his own distinct identity. His departure is a great loss to Indian cinema. The work done by him in rural areas of Maharashtra in the field of water conservation and storage through 'Nam Foundation' is remarkable and important. His helping hand to the families of farmers who committed suicide became a support for many families. Apart from being a great artist-actor, Nana was also a socially sensitive personality. May God grant the departed soul peace. Om Shanti.
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) October 8, 2026
BJP leader Sambit Patra described Patekar as an “exceptional actor” and a “sensitive and influential personality”.
Patra said Patekar’s performances in films such as “Krantiveer” and “Parinda” left a profound impact, while his portrayal of Uday Shetty in “Welcome” showcased his comedic talent. He said the actor’s voice, dialogue delivery and depth of acting would always be remembered.
The news of the demise of actor Shri Nana Patekar is extremely sad.
Nana Patekar ji was not only a brilliant actor but also a sensitive and influential personality. His serious and powerful acting in films like 'Krantiveer' and 'Parinda' shocked everyone, while as Uday Shetty in 'Welcome' he made everyone laugh with his comic talent. His voice, dialogue delivery and depth of acting will always be remembered by the countrymen.
His demise is an irreparable loss for the film industry and his fans. May Mahaprabhu grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family and fans to bear this loss.
Om peace! 🙏
— Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) October 8, 2026
BJP president Nitin Nabin said the news of Patekar’s demise was “extremely heartbreaking and soul-wrenching”.
“With his natural and impactful acting, he left such an indelible mark in Hindi and Marathi cinema, where every character, with its distinct identity, etched itself into the hearts of the audience. His performances will continue to remind cinema lovers of him in the times to come,” he said.
The news of the demise of veteran Indian cinema actor Shri Nana Patekar is extremely sad and heartbreaking.
With his natural and impressive acting, he left such a mark in Hindi and Marathi cinema, in which every character entered the minds of the audience with its own distinct identity. His acting will continue to remind cinema lovers of him in the times to come.
May God place the virtuous soul at His feet and give strength to the bereaved family members and his admirers to bear this immense sorrow.
Om peace.
— Nitin Nabin (@NitinNabin) October 8, 2026
BJP leader Biplab Kumar Deb said Patekar’s performances in films such as “Ankush”, “Prahaar” and “Krantiveer”, along with his distinctive voice and intensity, made him “truly one of a kind”.
“The passing of veteran actor Nana Patekar Ji is a profound loss to Indian cinema. His remarkable contribution to Indian cinema will continue to inspire generations,” Deb said.
The passing of veteran actor Nana Patekar Ji is a profound loss to Indian cinema.
From Ankush and Prahaar to Krantiveer, his powerful performances, distinctive voice and unmatched intensity made him truly one of a kind. His remarkable contribution to Indian cinema will continue to inspire generations.
My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.
— Biplab Kumar Deb (@BjpBiplab) October 8, 2026