Nana Patekar died on October 8, 2026, after a cardiac arrest in Goa. He was 75. The actor had gone to Goa for an event and, according to media reports, was found unconscious in the early hours at his residence. A medical team performed CPR for 45 minutes. He remained unresponsive and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
The news set off a wave of tributes, and questions about the last rites. On October 9, his son Malhar Patekar addressed both.
Son Malhar calls him immortal
Malhar Patekar told the media that his father lives on through his work. ‘A person like Nana Saheb doesn’t go anywhere,’ he said. ‘Through his work, he remains what we call Ajramara — immortal — in Marathi.’
He also recalled a line the actor often repeated: ‘Let’s get together in the name of humanity and work for the betterment of the world.’ The line, Malhar said, showed that Nana Patekar thought on a global scale.
Why the last rites happened late at night
The last rites were held at Nana Patekar’s Pune farmhouse with full state honours for his contribution to Indian cinema. Reports said the ceremony was first expected at 4 pm, but it ultimately took place late at night. That gap sparked speculation online.
Malhar explained that the family brought him from Goa and expected to return early, but the journey took longer for a number of reasons. Since the death happened in the early morning, he said, keeping him for too long was not appropriate, so the family chose to complete the rites that same day.
Tributes and what the loss means
Anil Kapoor wrote a note for his friend, saying he has lost a close friend and calling Nana Patekar the world’s greatest artist. He said he will miss him in life, on set, on the phone and on the big screen.
For Hindi cinema fans, the loss is personal. Nana Patekar’s name stood for performances built on hard edges and complete commitment, and the state honour acknowledges a career that shaped Indian cinema. For readers catching up, the family’s decision is now on record; Malhar’s larger point is about legacy, because the work remains. The key facts from the reports:
- Age: 75
- Date of death: October 8, 2026
- Cause: cardiac arrest in Goa
- Last rites: Pune farmhouse with full state honours
Source: Filmibeat