GOA: Veteran actor and filmmaker Nana Patekar died on Thursday at his home in Goa. He was 75.
Patekar died of a suspected cardiac arrest, the Press Trust of India reported, citing a doctor at the hospital where he was pronounced dead. His son, Malhar Patekar, confirmed the death and said the actor died of natural causes. Patekar is survived by his wife and son.
His death came days after he appeared at a theatre event in Goa, where he spoke about the importance of keeping the performing arts alive.
Born Vishwanath Patekar, he made his debut with Gaman in 1978. He went on to earn acclaim in Hindi and Marathi cinema, with films such as Parinda and Krantiveer. Audiences also embraced him in comedies like Welcome and Welcome Back. He received the Padma Shri in 2013 and served with the Territorial Army, lending his services during the 1999 Kargil War.