Nana Patekar was cremated with full state honours on Thursday at his farmhouse located in Donje, near Khadakwasla in Pune. The ceremony saw the presence of family members, friends from the film industry, and various political figures who gathered to pay their final respects. Patekar passed away at the age of 75 early on Thursday morning after experiencing chest pain at his residence in Goa.

On the same day, the Maharashtra government announced that the actor would receive full state honours as a testament to his significant contributions to both Marathi theatre and Hindi cinema. Politicians and industry peers, including Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, and fellow actor Pravin Tarde, were among the attendees who commemorated his life.

A Life Rooted in Simplicity

Patekar was known for leading a simple lifestyle, eschewing the trappings of fame for a more grounded existence. He often spoke candidly about mortality. In a previous media interaction while promoting his film The Vaccine War, Patekar disclosed that he had prepared for his eventual cremation by storing 12 maunds of dry wood at his Pune farmhouse. This very location served as the site for his cremation, underscoring his commitment to a life that remained closely tied to his roots.

His career spanned almost five decades, beginning in Marathi theatre before transitioning to films with his debut in Gaman in 1978. Patekar quickly established himself as an actor capable of delivering intense and multifaceted performances, capturing a range of emotions from anger to humour. Noteworthy films from his extensive catalogue include Parinda, Prahaar: The Final Attack, and Natsamrat, which solidified his reputation as one of Indian cinema’s most esteemed performers.

In 2007, Patekar took on the role of Uday Shetty in Welcome, showcasing a lighter side of his acting prowess. His comic timing and rapport with Anil Kapoor’s character, Majnu Bhai, transformed Uday into a beloved character in Bollywood. Patekar reprised this role in the 2015 sequel, Welcome Back, further evidencing his versatility as an actor.

Legacy Beyond the Silver Screen

In his later years, Patekar continued to contribute to both Hindi and Marathi cinema with appearances in films such as The Vaccine War and Housefull 5. His work garnered multiple accolades, including three National Film Awards and the prestigious Padma Shri, highlighting his impact in the film industry. However, his legacy is not confined solely to acting; he was also a dedicated philanthropist.

Patekar co-founded the Naam Foundation, which aimed to address issues relating to farmers, water conservation, and communities affected by drought in Maharashtra. His commitment to social causes underscored a deep-rooted sense of responsibility towards society, extending his influence beyond the realms of entertainment.

The actor’s last journey reflected the very essence of his character—a man known for playing roles that were loud and passionate found peace in a quieter and more intimate farewell. His cremation at the Donje farmhouse, away from the media spotlight, allowed Maharashtra to bid a dignified goodbye to one of its most unique talents, honouring him with full state recognition.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share