Nana Patekar death: Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, Jr NTR and others pay tribute to veteran actor

Tributes have started pouring in for veteran actor Nana Patekar after he passed away in the early hours of Thursday (October 8, 2026). Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, Jr NTR, Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal, Sunny Deol and others mourned Nana’s death and remembered his legacy.

Taking to X, Rajinikanth, who shared the screen with Nana in Pa. Ranjith’s Kaala (2018), wrote, “I can’t believe my dear friend Nanaji is no longer with us. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.”

I can't believe my dear friend Nanaji is no longer with us. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.

Akshay expressed his sadness on social media and wrote, “He was one of those rare actors who never needed to do too much to make you sit up and watch. That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance, he was completely his own.”

He added, “I feel fortunate that we got to work together in Welcome, and then again more recently in Housefull 5. There are so many memories from those sets that I’ll always hold close. Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It’s hard to believe you’re gone. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say.”

Really saddened by the news of Nana ji's passing. He was one of those rare actors who never needed to do too much to make you sit up and watch. That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance… he was completely his own. I feel fortunate that we got to work together in Welcome, and then again more recently in Housefull 5. There are so many memories from those sets that I'll always hold close. Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It's hard to believe you're gone. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say. 🙏

Jr NTR paid his condolences to Nana’s family and wrote, “There was an unmistakable honesty and intensity in every character he portrayed. His performances never felt like acting, but life unfolding on screen. A remarkable artist whose contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered for generations.”

Deeply saddened by the passing of Nana Patekar sir, one of Indian cinema's finest actors. There was an unmistakable honesty and intensity in every character he portrayed. His performances never felt like acting, but life unfolding on screen. A remarkable artist whose contribution to Indian cinema will be remembered for generations.

Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti 🙏

Farhan shared a photo of Nana on Instagram and said, “There are some who leave a void in their absence. Nana Patekar was one such person, whose presence could fill up a room and he was a generational talent who commanded our attention when on screen. His work in the arts and his commitment to social causes remain an inspiration to us all.”

A post shared by Farhan Akhtar (@faroutakhtar)

Arjun wrote on Instagram that he is “devastated, shocked and deeply saddened to wake up to this news”. “He lived on his terms, acted effortlessly, shared and most importantly cared. You will be missed Sir. Thank you for the beautiful performances and unforgettable memories. Prayers for your journey ahead and deepest condolences to your family. RIP,” Arjun added.

A post shared by Arjun Rampal (@rampal72)

Actor Prakash Raj shared a photo with Nana on X and wrote, “Miss you my dear Nana ji. Will cherish the moments spent, conversations, arguments, the food you cooked, knowledge you shared. Thank you for coming into my life’s journey.”

💔💔💔 miss you my dear Nana ji .. Will cherish the moments spent..conversations.. arguments.. the food you cooked.. knowledge you shared . thank you for coming into my life's journey. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 RIP #NanaPatekar https://t.co/ijbPzxZk6s

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, who produced Nana’s crime-drama Ab Tak Chhappan (2004), wrote on X, “YES, everybody knows nobody is immortal .. But I still can’t believe this can so suddenly happen to a man , as strong as him .. I hate his heart for failing him and I feel like killing GOD for killing the GOD of acting, NANA PATEKAR.”

YES, everybody knows nobody is immortal .. But I still can't believe this can so suddenly happen to a man , as strong as him .. I hate his heart for failing him and I feel like killing GOD for killing the GOD of acting , NANA PATEKAR .

Actor Riteish Deshmukh recalled sharing the screen with the veteran actor in Bluffmaster and Housefull 5 and wrote on X, “An actor par excellence, incomparable to anyone, he carved his place in people’s hearts with his own unique style and brand of acting. There wasn’t a role or a character he couldn’t perform. He aced it all — a larger-than-life hero, a terrifying villain or be it his poker-faced comedy. He was a hero off screen too, and worked tirelessly through his charity for the good of the people.”

I am shocked beyond words. Feels like a truck has hit me. Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Nana Patekar ji. An actor par excellence, incomparable to anyone, he carved his place in people's hearts with his own unique style and brand of acting. There wasn't a role or a character he couldn't perform. He aced it all — a larger-than-life hero, a terrifying villain or be it his poker-faced comedy. He was a hero off screen too, and worked tirelessly through his charity for the good of the people. I had the privilege of sharing screen space with him in Bluffmaster and Housefull 5, but working with him in a Marathi film will forever remain my unfulfilled desire. My heartfelt and deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and the millions of his well-wishers. Truly, the end of an era. Thank you for your wisdom, your chats with me, the pat on my back, the shared laughter and for enriching me as a person. Rest in glory !!!!

Sunny Deol shared a photo with Nana and wrote on Instagram, “Still can’t believe Nana is not among us. We never worked together, but we always shared a very special bond that went back many years. Fearless, full of life, he always did what he wanted to do. That’s how I’ll always remember him.”

A post shared by Sunny Deol (@iamsunnydeol)

Nana was a recipient of three National Film Awards, several Filmfare Awards, the Maharashtra State Film Award and Filmfare Awards Marathi. He had also received Padma Shri, the country’s fourth-highest civilian honour.

He will be cremated with with full State honours.