Just four days before his sudden demise due to a severe cardiac arrest on Thursday, veteran actor Nana Patekar delivered a poignant speech on life, purpose, and mortality that now carries an uncanny, heartbreaking weight.
The 75-year-old cinema icon passed away in the early hours of October 8 at Manipal Hospital in Dona Paula after doctors’ 45-minute CPR attempt failed to revive him.
”I Don’t Know Whether I Will Be Here Tomorrow”
Patekar’s final public appearance was on October 4, when he attended the installation ceremony of Samraat Club International in Dona Paula, Goa. Dressed in his signature white kurta and scarf, the actor delivered a reflective address, paying tribute to his late close friend and former Goa Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar.
Contemplating human life and purpose, Patekar remarked:
”We all have to go someday. I don’t know whether I will be here tomorrow or not. Every person’s life will eventually reach that point. But before that happens, I have to ask myself: am I able to do what I want to do?”
He urged the audience to look beyond immediate family responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to society: “If my world is limited to my children, my wife, and my home, then what is my purpose? I have to give something back here, don’t I?”
On Civic Decency and Constructive Disagreement
Known for his uncompromising integrity and outspoken nature, Patekar also touched upon political discourse, civil rights, and public decorum during his address.
He highlighted the importance of maintaining decency while expressing dissent:
”If I don’t like something, I must speak about it. But there is a way of speaking. When we speak publicly, there has to be some basic decency. That has to be maintained, otherwise there is no meaning to it.”
A Multifaceted Career Spanning Five Decades
Patekar’s sudden passing marks the end of a legendary artistic career that began with the 1978 film Gaman. Known for his intense dramatic work in classics like Parinda, Krantiveer, Prahaar, and Ab Tak Chhappan, he also demonstrated incredible comedic timing in blockbusters like Welcome.
He remained active until his final days, having completed projects including Vishal Bhardwaj’s upcoming O’ Romeo and Housefull 5.