Nana Patekar Death: Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, Jr NTR and Others Pay Tribute to Veteran Actor

Tributes have begun to pour in for the legendary actor Nana Patekar, who passed away in the early hours of Thursday, October 8, 2026. The news of his death has prompted heartfelt messages from various prominent figures in the Indian film industry, including Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, Jr NTR, Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal, and Sunny Deol, all of whom have shared poignant memories and reflections on Patekar’s unparalleled legacy.

Background on Nana Patekar

Nana Patekar, celebrated for his powerful performances and distinctive voice, was a stalwart of Indian cinema. Known for playing diverse roles, he captivated audiences with his intense portrayals in films such as Parinda, Kranti, and Ab Tak Chhappan. Additionally, Patekar was not only lauded for his cinematic contributions but also recognized for his humanitarian efforts, particularly his dedication to helping farmers in Maharashtra and his involvement during the Kargil War. He received numerous accolades throughout his career, including three National Film Awards and the Padma Shri, the country’s fourth-highest civilian honor.

Reactions from the Film Industry

Rajinikanth, who starred alongside Patekar in the 2018 film Kaala, took to social media platform X to express his grief: “I can’t believe my dear friend Nanaji is no longer with us. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.”

Akshay Kumar shared his sorrow, noting, “He was one of those rare actors who never needed to do too much to make you sit up and watch. That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance, he was completely his own.” Kumar expressed his gratitude for working with Patekar in films such as Welcome and Housefull 5, stating, “It’s hard to believe you’re gone. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say.”

Jr NTR expressed his condolences by recalling Patekar’s significant contributions to Indian cinema, writing, “There was an unmistakable honesty and intensity in every character he portrayed… A remarkable artist whose contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered for generations.”

Kamal Haasan praised Patekar’s artistic talents as well as his humanitarian spirit, stating, “The man was a force of nature… Beyond the screen, his work helping farmers in Maharashtra and his volunteer service during the Kargil War spoke volumes about his deep sense of duty.”

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, who worked closely with Patekar in projects like The Attacks of 26/11, expressed his disbelief, saying, “I still can’t believe this can so suddenly happen to a man, as strong as him.”

Riteish Deshmukh, who shared the screen with Patekar in films like Bluffmaster and Housefull 5, hailed him as “an actor par excellence,” saying, “He aced it all— a larger-than-life hero, a terrifying villain or be it his poker-faced comedy.”

Sunny Deol, although he had not collaborated with Patekar professionally, said their bond was “very special,” and he remembered him as “fearless” and “full of life.”

Conclusion

Nana Patekar’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, leaving behind a legacy of extraordinary performances and a commitment to social causes. As fans and colleagues mourn his loss, his contributions to both the film industry and society at large will be cherished and remembered for generations to come. He will be cremated with full state honors, underscoring the profound impact he had on the lives of many in India.