Nana Patekar, a prominent Indian actor and filmmaker known for his intense and complex roles, died on October 8 at his home in Goa. He was 75 years old. According to the Press Trust of India, which cited a hospital doctor, Patekar’s death was attributed to a suspected cardiac arrest.

Born in 1951 in Maharashtra, Patekar’s career spanned nearly five decades and included work in both Hindi- and Marathi-language cinema. He made his film debut in 1978 with the Hindi film "Gaman" and gained critical acclaim for his performances in films such as “Parinda” and “Krantiveer.” Patekar was recognized not only in mainstream Bollywood but also for his contributions to India’s parallel cinema movement, which is known for its focus on realism and social issues. His international profile was further elevated by his role in Mira Nair’s Oscar-nominated film “Salaam Bombay!”

Throughout his career, Patekar received several prestigious honors, including three National Film Awards—India’s highest film accolades—and the Padma Shri, one of the country's top civilian awards. Known for his versatility and distinctive acting style, he was often praised for portraying characters that challenged conventional norms.

In 2018, amid India’s #MeToo movement, Patekar faced allegations of sexual harassment from a Bollywood actress related to incidents on a film set. He denied the accusations. The case was among several that brought increased attention to issues of misconduct within the Indian film industry.

Following Patekar’s death, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, highlighting the actor’s intense and distinctive presence. Modi noted that Patekar brought versatility and creativity to every role, creating characters that would be remembered by future generations.

Patekar is survived by his wife and son.