‘Represented the Hearts of Ordinary People’: Leaders Across the Nation Mourn Nana Patekar

Congress MP Imran Masood called Patekar a legendary performer whose place in Indian cinema was unique. “A great actor has passed away, and it is the end of an era. Just as there can be no one like Dilip Kumar, there can be no one like Nana Patekar,” he said.

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar described Patekar's death as a major loss for Maharashtra and the country, highlighting the actor's strong public voice on social issues. He said Patekar had spoken extensively about addiction, young people and problems faced by farmers.

Congress leader Manikrao Thakare said Patekar had a special connection with ordinary people and had contributed to the film industry while also working for social causes.

“He was an actor who not only led and gave direction to the film industry but was also loved by the common people. If there was an actor who truly represented the hearts of ordinary people, it was Nana Patekar,” Thakare said.

He recalled Patekar's work in drought-affected and water-scarce regions of Maharashtra, as well as his efforts in areas affected by farmer suicides. According to Thakare, the actor worked to improve water resources and contribute to the welfare of farmers and society.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said Patekar's sudden death had come as a shock and remembered him not only as a celebrated actor but also as a compassionate human being.

Raut said Patekar consistently brought a strong Marathi identity to his performances in Hindi cinema and became a symbol of Marathi pride and self-respect. He also praised the actor's contributions to Marathi theatre, Marathi cinema and Hindi films, saying Patekar commanded attention whenever he appeared on screen.

Badnera MLA Ravi Rana expressed grief over the actor's death, describing him as an outstanding performer in both Hindi and Marathi cinema. Rana also remembered Patekar as a humble and simple person who interacted warmly with people.

Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC said India had lost one of its finest actors at the age of 75. She highlighted Patekar's intensity, powerful dialogue delivery and reputation for honesty both on and off screen.

“People remember him as a hero on-screen, but his contributions off-screen made him a real-life hero,” Shaina said.

She also described Patekar's Marathi film *Natsamrat* as one of his finest works and said his four-decade career, three National Film Awards and Padma Shri were part of a larger legacy that would also be remembered for his advocacy of farmers' rights.

Patekar, one of the most recognised performers in Indian cinema, died in Goa at the age of 75. His career spanned more than four decades across Hindi and Marathi cinema, with his intense performances and distinctive dialogue delivery becoming hallmarks of his acting style.

Born Vishwanath Patekar on January 1, 1951, in Maharashtra, he built a reputation for portraying complex and unconventional characters. He made his Hindi film debut with *Gaman* in 1978 and went on to establish himself as one of the most respected actors of his generation.