SRINAGAR: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday expressed grief over the death of veteran actor and filmmaker Nana Patekar, recalling their personal association and describing him as a close friend who was deeply concerned about people facing hardship.
Patekar, 75, died on October 8, 2026 after suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his home in Goa. He was found unconscious early in the morning and taken to Manipal Hospital in Dona Paula, where doctors pronounced him dead at 5.20 am, despite attempts at resuscitation lasting nearly 45 minutes.
Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said Patekar’s contribution extended beyond cinema, describing him as an accomplished actor who remained closely connected with disadvantaged communities and regularly sought to help people in need.
“He never looked at religion. He used to look at the sorrows of the people and their pain,” Abdullah said, adding that Patekar did whatever he could to ease their difficulties.
Abdullah recalled that Patekar had visited Jammu and Kashmir several times and had met him on a number of occasions. He particularly remembered taking the actor by helicopter from Kupwara to Gurez during one of his visits to the region.
“He used to come here again and again and meet me,” Abdullah said. He also recalled meeting Patekar at a wedding, where the two had danced together.
The NC president said Patekar had spent considerable time with tribal communities and worked to support people experiencing hardship. He said the actor’s compassion transcended religious considerations and reflected his sensitivity towards human suffering.
Abdullah said he was deeply saddened when he learnt of Patekar’s death on Thursday morning. He added that the actor had recently completed shooting for his last film in Goa.
Describing Patekar as an “excellent actor”, Abdullah recalled his versatility and distinctive performances across Hindi and Marathi cinema. He expressed confidence that the actor’s final film would also be remembered.
Patekar, a Padma Shri recipient and three-time National Film Award winner, was known for his intense performances and distinctive dialogue delivery. Alongside his film career, he was also associated with social and philanthropic work.
Abdullah offered prayers for the departed actor and said his contribution to Indian cinema and his efforts to help people would ensure that he continued to be remembered.
