NDA Leaders Pay Tribute to Nana Patekar, Recall His Social Work and Acting Legacy

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who described Patekar as a close personal friend, said their families had been in touch for many years. He highlighted the actor's work for farmers, water conservation and people affected by farmer suicides.

"He did a lot of work for farmers, water conservation, and those affected by farmer suicides with great sensitivity. Social consciousness, social responsibility, and sensitivity towards society were special qualities of his personality," Gadkari said.

He added that Patekar's contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema would continue to be remembered for years.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya described Patekar as a prominent figure in Indian cinema whose work audiences across linguistic boundaries appreciated.

"Whether Marathi-speaking or Hindi-speaking, everyone watched and loved him. We mourn the demise of Nana Patekar ji and pray to God to grant him a place at His feet," Maurya said.

UP Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak also expressed shock over the actor's death, saying Patekar had devoted his life to cinema, India and Indian culture.

"He was deeply dedicated to the film industry, India and Indian culture. His acting left such a lasting impression that people from all sections of society accepted and appreciated him," Pathak said.

UP Minister O.P. Rajbhar described Patekar's death as a deeply sad event and offered condolences to his family.

"It is a sad incident... We pray to God to give his family the strength to bear this loss. On my behalf, on behalf of my party and the people of the state, I pay tribute to him," Rajbhar said.

Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav called Patekar's death a loss for the country and the artistic community. He recalled the actor's rise through theatre and cinema and praised his ability to use his characters to highlight social issues.

"No amount of praise can do justice to his art and acting. Through his characters, he highlighted the ills of society," Yadav said while paying tribute to the veteran performer.

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria also described Patekar's death as tragic and paid tribute to the actor, whom he called one of Bollywood's greatest personalities.

Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar said Patekar overcame difficult circumstances to establish himself through his acting and left a lasting impression on audiences.

"He was an artist who overcame adverse conditions and left a mark on people through his acting skills. His characters made an impact," Shelar said.

Patekar, whose career spanned more than four decades, became one of the most respected performers in both Hindi and Marathi cinema. He made his Hindi film debut with *Gaman* in 1978 and went on to deliver acclaimed performances across a wide range of roles.

His breakthrough came with films including *Salaam Bombay!* and *Parinda*. He later appeared in films such as *Angaar*, *Tirangaa*, *Krantiveer*, *Agni Sakshi*, *Khamoshi: The Musical*, *Yeshwant*, *Ab Tak Chhappan*, *Apaharan* and *Raajneeti*, among others.