Nana Patekar’s life in pics: The veteran actor who became a cultural icon with his range, intensity and unapologetic nature

Nana Patekar died on October 8 in Goa. Here's looking back at the life of the veteran actor who will be remembered for his iconic presence on and off screen. 

Updated on: Oct 8, 2026 12:30 PM IST

Photos

Share via

• 
• 
• 

Copy link

• 

1/10

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Oct 8, 2026 12:30 PM

Nana Patekar was born on January 1, 1951, in Murud Janjira, Maharashtra, as Vishwanath Patekar. (HT Archive)

2/10

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Oct 8, 2026 12:30 PM

He pursued higher education at Sir JJ Institute of Applied Arts in Mumbai and started his career as a visual artist in advertising before becoming an actor.  (HT Archive)

3/10

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Oct 8, 2026 12:30 PM

His childhood was one of struggle, with the pressure to earn money at a young age. He reportedly worked as a billboard painter to pay for his studies.  (HT Archive)

4/10

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Oct 8, 2026 12:30 PM

The actor’s filmography is a testament to his range. He played gangsters, soldiers, policemen, politicians, patriots, villains, comic characters and tragic figures with ease, and even at times worked behind the camera as a director and writer.  (HT Archive)

5/10

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Oct 8, 2026 12:30 PM

He balanced both mainstream and parallel cinema. Following his breakthrough with films like Parinda, Angaar, and Krantiveer, he earned acclaim with films like Khamoshi: The Musical, Natsamrat, as well as mainstream comedies like Welcome.  (HT Archive)

6/10

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Oct 8, 2026 12:30 PM

Nana Patekar started his acting career in the theatres, both Hindi and Marathi, spending years developing his signature style and intensity that later earned him fame on screen.  (HT Archive)

7/10

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Oct 8, 2026 12:30 PM

The actor was known for his unapologetic and outspoken nature, and for not mincing words while criticising those in power.  (HT Archive)

8/10

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Oct 8, 2026 12:30 PM

Nana Patekar's philanthropic work includes establishing the Naam Foundation with Makarand Anaspure in 2015, which has worked on farmer welfare and water conservation in Maharashtra. (@iamnanapatekar/Instagram)

9/10

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Oct 8, 2026 12:30 PM

His illustrious film career began in 1978 with Gaman. The performance demanded immediate attention from industry stalwarts, and he went on to become one of the few actors to win the National Film Awards in three different acting categories. (HT Archive)

10/10

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Oct 8, 2026 12:30 PM

The cultural icon passed away in the early hours of October 8, at the age of 75. He was found unconscious at his home in Goa, and could not be revived after he was taken to the hospital.  (REUTERS)