The Kabul Tribune (KT)— Veteran Indian actor Vishwanath “Nana” Patekar, one of Hindi and Marathi cinema’s most acclaimed performers, has died at 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa, Indian media reported.
Patekar was found unconscious after complaining of chest pain, according to reports. A medical team dispatched to his home attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation before taking him to a hospital, news agency ANI reported, citing Dr. Shekhar Salkar, head of oncology at Manipal Hospital in Goa.
Patekar was pronounced dead early Thursday, Salkar said. A medico-legal case was registered and a post-mortem examination was to be conducted, according to the doctor.
Patekar had a career spanning nearly five decades in Hindi and Marathi cinema, as well as appearances in a handful of Tamil and Kannada films. He made his film debut in 1978 with Gaman.
He later appeared in Mira Nair’s Academy Award-nominated film Salaam Bombay! and earned three National Film Awards. He won the award for best supporting actor for Parinda and Agni Sakshi, and best actor for Krantiveer.
In 2013, Patekar was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor.
He also became popular with a younger generation of moviegoers for his portrayal of gangster Uday Shetty in the 2007 crime comedy Welcome.
Patekar was widely regarded as one of Indian cinema’s most versatile actors, known for his performances in both serious dramas and mainstream commercial films.
