Case of unnatural death registered regarding Nana Patekar’s demise… Panaji Police initiates investigation

Panaji. The Panaji Police have registered a case of unnatural death (UD) under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) regarding the death of veteran actor Nana Patekar. According to police records, the 76-year-old actor was brought from his residence at Ocean Park in Dona Paula, Goa, to the emergency ward of Manipal Hospital, Bambolim, where he was declared dead. Further investigation into the matter is being conducted under the leadership of Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Nitin Naik.

Nana Patekar’s last rites performed with state honors
Nana Patekar’s last rites were performed with full state honors on Thursday night at his farmhouse in Donje, Pune. News of his passing had emerged on Thursday morning. Since then, everyone—from the film fraternity to the general public—has been remembering him and paying tribute. Nana Patekar had carved a special place in people’s hearts through his acting and his forthright nature; a legacy that will not be easily forgotten even after his departure.

‘Nana Saheb can never truly leave us’
After the last rites, Nana Patekar’s son, Malhar Patekar, spoke to the media. Remembering his father, he said that people like Nana Saheb never truly bid farewell to the world; his work and achievements have made him immortal. “People like Nana Saheb never really leave us; his achievements have immortalized him. Secondly, he always believed that people across the world should come together and walk the right path. Thirdly, the vision and dream Nana Saheb left behind for us—carrying that forward will determine the direction of our lives ahead.” It was evident from Malhar’s words that for the family, Nana Patekar was not merely a father figure but a personality whose mindset and teachings would continue to guide them in the future.

Shah Rukh Khan pays tribute by sharing an old photo
Following the news of Nana Patekar’s passing, Bollywood’s ‘King Khan’—Shah Rukh Khan—paid an emotional tribute to him. Shah Rukh shared an old photograph with Nana on the social media platform X, describing him as his mentor, teacher, critic, and friend. He also recounted the story of his first meeting with Nana. He recalled being so awestruck and nervous in Nana’s presence that he began fiddling with his hair. Seeing this, Nana swatted his hand away and said, “Don’t style your hair like a ‘hero’… you are an actor.”

According to Shah Rukh, Nana Patekar’s style was distinct from everyone else’s. He never engaged in hollow flattery, nor did he say what the other person wanted to hear; instead, he always spoke the words that a person truly needed to hear.

He would scold first, then express his affection through that very act
In his post, Shah Rukh Khan wrote that Nana Patekar was someone who spoke his mind directly. While his demeanor was somewhat stern and blunt, he possessed a beautiful smile. His way of showing affection was also unique. Shah Rukh wrote, “He always expressed his love in an unusual manner. He would shout at you first, and then, amidst the third or fourth scolding, you would realize that he was actually embracing you.” He added that Nana loved him dearly, and the feeling was mutual. Nana was his mentor, teacher, critic, and friend. Additionally, he was an expert at playing carrom. Shah Rukh fondly recalled how Nana would repeatedly defeat him—and others around them—at carrom, thoroughly enjoying his victories.

Shah Rukh wished they had spent more time together.
Reflecting on Nana Patekar, Shah Rukh Khan expressed regret that they did not get more opportunities to spend time together. He wished they could have shared more conversations and debates, and had more chances to sit together over tea and play carrom. In his post, Shah Rukh wrote, “Nana, your intensity, your laughter, your eccentricity, and your love will always stay with us. My only regret is that we didn’t have more time—time for a few more conversations, another debate, another cup of tea together, and one more game of carrom.” He added that Nana’s passing has left a void not only in the world of cinema but also in the hearts of people across India and the globe. Shah Rukh wrote that he would miss Nana dearly and cherish his words in his heart until his very last breath.

The lesson from Nana that Shah Rukh will always cherish
In his heartfelt message, Shah Rukh Khan recalled a specific piece of advice from Nana Patekar that has stayed with him forever. Nana had told him, “Don’t lose the actor within you in the pursuit of becoming a hero.” This simple statement holds a profound lesson for the world of acting: one should never lose the true essence of one’s acting craft while trying to project a larger-than-life heroic image on screen. Reflecting on this, Shah Rukh noted that Nana’s words remain just as significant to him today. Concluding his post, he wrote, “Nana, may your soul rest in peace. May Allah shower His blessings upon you. Heaven will become even more beautiful with your arrival. You were a magnificent actor and an unparalleled carrom player. Much love to you; you will be deeply missed. Gone too soon, my hero-actor! Rest in peace.” Shah Rukh ended his message by reiterating his affection for Nana and affirming that he would always hold that lesson close to his heart.

Nana is survived by his wife Neelkanthi and son Malhar
Nana Patekar is survived by his wife, Neelkanthi Patekar, and his son, Malhar Patekar. With his passing, the film industry has lost an artist renowned for his powerful performances, candid nature, and unique style. Shah Rukh Khan’s emotional tribute revealed that his bond with Nana transcended the film industry; it was rooted in a sense of kinship, friendship, and enduring life lessons. Memories of Nana Patekar—the characters he portrayed and the words he spoke—will forever live on among his admirers.