Goa, Oct 8:
Actor Nana Patekar passed away on Thursday after suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa. Patekar was reportedly found unconscious at his home and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Nana Patekar was declared dead at 5:20 am.
Naba Patekar, one of India’s most acclaimed actors, was known for his performances across Hindi and Marathi cinema, with a career spanning several decades. He earned widespread recognition for films such as Parinda, Krantiveer, Ab Tak Chhappan and Welcome.
He acted as villain opposite Rajini in Kaala and Bharathiraja’s Bomallattam.
Nana Patekar is known for his simple lifestyle and philanthropic activities. He contributed funds through the charitable organisation Anubhuthi to help rebuild villages in Bihar that were devastated by floods.
He donated his entire remuneration from the film Paathshaala to five different charitable organisations. He also donated the entire Rs 10 lakh cash prize he received along with the Raj Kapoor Award towards drought relief activities in Maharashtra.
Patekar also provided financial assistance to the families of farmers who died by suicide due to debt caused by drought. In August 2015, he distributed cheques of Rs 15,000 each to 62 families of farmers from the Vidarbha region. In September that year, he extended financial assistance to another 113 families from Latur and Osmanabad districts in the Marathwada region.
In September 2015, he founded the Naam Foundation along with Marathi actor Makarand Anaspure. The foundation works to support farmers affected by drought in Maharashtra and help improve their livelihoods.
Patekar also played an important role in raising funds for drought relief in Maharashtra through a social media campaign using the hashtag #IcareIsupport.