Several leading names from the film fraternity, including Anupam Kher, Akshay Kumar, Prakash Raj, Ravi Kishan, Suniel Shetty, Urmila Matondkar, Jr NTR and Sunny Deol, paid emotional tributes to the celebrated actor on social media, remembering his distinctive screen presence, powerful performances and candid personality.
Patekar died at his residence in Goa after suffering a cardiac arrest, according to media reports.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher posted an emotional tribute to veteran actor Nana Patekar, describing how he learned the news right after finishing a stage performance.
Kher recalls Patekar's straightforward personality, warmth, and powerful acting, noting he would likely dismiss tributes with humor, while expressing personal grief and commitment to honoring him through his films.
He wrote on X, "A couple of hours ago, I received the heartbreaking news that my friend Nana Patekar, one of the finest actors and human beings in Indian cinema, is no more. I had just finished our performance and taken the curtain call. As I walked into the wings, my director Gajendra told me, “Nana is no more.”
"After that, I had to meet people, pose for photographs, smile, sit down for a meal… while trying to absorb what I had just heard. It was terribly difficult. But somewhere, I felt that Nana would have wanted me to finish my work. Fulfil my responsibility to the people who had come to see us. And then, perhaps, remember him."
NANA PATEKAR THE GREATEST?A couple of hours ago, I received the heartbreaking news that my friend Nana Patekar, one of the finest actors and human beings in Indian cinema, is no more. I had just finished our performance and taken the curtain call. As I walked into the wings, my director Gajendra told me, “Nana is no more.” After that, I had to meet people, pose for photographs, smile, sit down for a meal… while trying to absorb what I had just heard. It was terribly difficult. But somewhere, I felt that Nana would have wanted me to finish my work. Fulfil my responsibility to the people who had come to see us. And then, perhaps, remember him. Actually, knowing him, I can almost hear him dismissing the very idea of a tribute: “अरे, तो क्या हो गया? मर गया तो कौन-सी बड़ी बात है? सभी मरते हैं!” That was Nana. Direct, unpretentious, with his own way of saying even the most difficult things. I will miss you, my friend. Your warmth. Your hugs. Your extraordinary performances. And whenever I miss seeing you, I will watch your films. Though today, I wish I could simply hug you one more time. My love and deepest condolences to your family and to everyone who loved you. अलविदा मेरे दोस्त, नाना पाटेकर। बहुत सारा प्यार। #NanaPatekar #HeartBreaking
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) October 8, 2026
Akshay Kumar wrote on X, "Really saddened by the news of Nana ji’s passing. 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. I feel fortunate that we got to work together in Welcome, and then again more recently in Housefull 5.
"There are so many memories from those sets that I’ll always hold close. Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It’s hard to believe you’re gone. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say."
Really saddened by the news of Nana ji’s passing. 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. I feel fortunate that we got to work together in Welcome, and then again more recently in Housefull 5. There are so many memories from those sets that I’ll always hold close. Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It’s hard to believe you’re gone. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say.
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) October 8, 2026
Prakash Raj wrote, "miss you my dear Nana ji .. Will cherish the moments spent..conversations.. arguments.. the food you cooked.. knowledge you shared . thank you for coming into my life’s journey. RIP "
miss you my dear Nana ji .. Will cherish the moments spent..conversations.. arguments.. the food you cooked.. knowledge you shared . thank you for coming into my life’s journey. RIP #NanaPatekar https://t.co/ijbPzxZk6s
— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) October 8, 2026
Actor Ravi Kishan, also a BJP MP from Gorakhpur, posted an emotional Hindi tribute mourning the death of veteran actor Nana Patekar, calling him "Nat Samrat" and sharing that Nana planned to visit Gorakhpur in their last conversation.
The accompanying 172-second video shows Ravi Kishan speaking directly to camera about Nana's passing, invoking Mahadev to grant him peace at his feet with the hashtag #ripnanapatekar.
नट सम्राट चले गए नाना पाटेकर जी का जाना कला जगत को सुना कर दिया ,मेरे मित्र में जिनका फैन आखरी बार बात हुई तो बोले थे तेरे गोरखपुर आऊँगा घुमाना मुझे महादेव अपने श्री चरणों में उनको स्थान दे #ripnanapatekar https://t.co/r6PtJXzo2X
— Ravi Kishan (@ravikishann) October 8, 2026
Alia Bhatt wrote, "Farewell, Nana Sir. You've made the world laugh, cry, and feel so much more in between. No one like you."
Suniel Shetty wrote on Instagram, "Absolutely shocking!!! They don’t make men like you anymore. So deeply rooted no matter how high you rose. Unapologetically yourself, fiercely honest and a master of your craft. There was only one Nana. There will never be another. Rest in peace Bhau... Cinema won’t be the same without you."
Urmila Matondkar wrote on X, "Devastated beyond words..just frozen with grief. Shocking, shattering n extremely saddening What do you even write about someone who can never be captured in words.. Great Patriarch of Marathi theatre n awesome human being आमचे नाना ."
Devastated beyond words..just frozen with grief Shocking,shattering n extremely saddening What do you even write about someone who can never be captured in words.. Great Patriarch of Marathi theatre n awesome human being आमचे नाना https://t.co/YD2kishMGK
— Urmila Matondkar (@UrmilaMatondkar) October 8, 2026
Jr. NTR wrote on X, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Nana Patekar sir, one of Indian cinema’s finest actors. There was an unmistakable honesty and intensity in every character he portrayed. His performances never felt like acting, but life unfolding on screen. A remarkable artist whose contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered for generations. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti."
Deeply saddened by the passing of Nana Patekar sir, one of Indian cinema’s finest actors. There was an unmistakable honesty and intensity in every character he portrayed. His performances never felt like acting, but life unfolding on screen. A remarkable artist whose contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered for generations. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti
— Jr NTR (@tarak9999) October 8, 2026
Sunny Deol wrote on Instagram, "Still can’t believe Nana is not among us. We never worked together, but we always shared a very special bond that went back many years. Fearless, full of life, he always did what he wanted to do. That’s how I’ll always remember him. Will miss you, Nana."