Veteran Actor Nana Patekar Dies at 75, Remembered for Kargil War Service with Indian Army

Veteran Bollywood actor Nana Patekar, known for his powerful screen presence and his close association with the Indian Armed Forces, reportedly died early Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. He was 75.

According to the information provided, Patekar was found unconscious at home and attended by a medical team. Doctors attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for about 45 minutes but could not revive him. He was reportedly declared dead at 5.20 a.m.

Born Vishwanath Patekar on January 1, 1951, in Maharashtra’s Raigad district, he built a film career spanning nearly five decades and earned a reputation as one of Indian cinema’s most respected performers. Alongside his work in films, he was also widely recognised for his association with the Indian Army, particularly during the 1999 Kargil War.

Nana Patekar’s link with the Indian Army

One of the lesser-known aspects of Patekar’s life was his long-standing respect for the armed forces and his willingness to spend time with soldiers in difficult operational conditions.

He served in the Territorial Army and was associated with the Maratha Light Infantry, one of the Indian Army’s oldest and most distinguished infantry regiments. He was also reported to have received the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

During the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan, Patekar reportedly spent an extended period with Indian Army personnel in the conflict zone. Accounts of his involvement suggest that he stayed with soldiers for several weeks, with some reports placing the duration at around 60 days.

His presence in the war zone was seen as an expression of his respect for soldiers and his desire to understand the hardships they faced while defending the country’s borders. Unlike his on-screen portrayals of military life, his time with troops during the Kargil conflict brought him into direct contact with the realities of service in difficult terrain and under operational stress.

Patekar’s connection with the armed forces was also reflected in his 1991 film Prahaar: The Final Attack, which he directed and starred in. The film dealt with military training, discipline, courage and the challenges soldiers face.

A career built over nearly five decades

Patekar made his film debut with Gaman in 1978 and went on to establish himself as a formidable actor across Hindi and Marathi cinema.

His breakthrough performances in Salaam Bombay! (1988) and Parinda (1989) brought him wide recognition. His role in Parinda won him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.

He later received the National Film Award for Best Actor for Krantiveer (1994) and another National Award for Agni Sakshi (1996).

His notable films included Tirangaa, Khamoshi: The Musical, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan, Raajneeti, Welcome and the Marathi film Natsamrat.

In recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 2013.

Work beyond films

Beyond acting and his association with the military, Patekar was also known for humanitarian work.

In 2015, he co-founded the Naam Foundation with Marathi actor Makarand Anaspure to support drought-affected farmers and families facing financial hardship in Maharashtra.

The foundation also worked on initiatives related to water conservation and rural welfare.

Tributes after his reported death

Following reports of his death, tributes were reported from political leaders, film personalities and admirers across the country.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were among those reported to have expressed condolences.

For many Indians, Nana Patekar will be remembered for his performances, his humanitarian efforts and his association with the armed forces. His reported presence alongside Indian soldiers during the Kargil War remains one of the defining chapters of his public life, reflecting a connection with the military that went well beyond cinema.