Veteran Indian actor and filmmaker Nana Patekar died at the age of 75 in Goa early Thursday, bringing an end to a career that spanned nearly five decades across Hindi and Marathi cinema.

Patekar was found unconscious at his residence in Dona Paula after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was taken to Manipal Hospital, where doctors continued resuscitation efforts for about 45 minutes.

He was declared dead at around 5:20am, according to hospital sources.

Senior physician Dr Shekhar Salkar said Patekar had sent a message to a friend in the early hours saying that he was feeling unwell. The friend later reached the actor’s apartment, after which medical assistance was arranged. Despite prolonged CPR, doctors were unable to revive him.

A career defined by powerful performances

Born Vishwanath Patekar in Maharashtra, Nana Patekar began his film career with the 1978 Hindi movie Gaman. He went on to establish himself as one of Indian cinema’s most distinctive performers through films including Parinda, Krantiveer, Prahaar, Khamoshi: The Musical and Mira Nair’s Oscar-nominated Salaam Bombay!.

Known for his intense acting style, distinctive voice and commanding dialogue delivery, Patekar successfully moved between serious cinema and mainstream Bollywood productions. His work in both Hindi and Marathi films earned him wide recognition.

He received three National Film Awards, among India’s highest honours for cinema, and was awarded the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to the arts.

Patekar’s death prompted tributes from across India’s political and film circles. Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the actor’s passing, praising his intensity, individuality and unmistakable presence on screen.