New Delhi, 08 October (H.S.): Tributes from the Indian cricket fraternity continued to pour in following the death of veteran actor Nana Patekar. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice-President Rajeev Shukla, former India captain Ajinkya Rahane and former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan expressed deep sorrow over the actor’s passing and remembered his remarkable contribution to cinema and society.

Rajeev Shukla described Nana Patekar as a “highly sensitive human being”, saying that his exceptional acting ability, versatility and commanding screen presence had left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.

Writing on social media platform X, Shukla said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of veteran actor and highly sensitive human being Shri Nana Patekar Ji. His brilliant acting skills, versatility and commanding screen presence have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Beyond the world of films, his selfless dedication to social service and efforts to transform people’s lives have touched countless lives. May God grant his soul eternal peace. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers.”

Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane described Nana Patekar as a “truly remarkable actor”, saying his work had inspired and entertained generations.

Rahane wrote on X, “Nana Patekar Ji was truly a remarkable actor whose work inspired and entertained generations. Deeply saddened to hear of his passing. May his soul rest in peace.”

Earlier, former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan had also mourned Nana Patekar’s death. He described the actor as a “very special talent” in Indian cinema and said his work would continue to inspire generations to come.

Dhawan wrote on X, “Today, Indian cinema has lost a very special talent. Nana Patekar Sahab, your work will continue to inspire generations to come. Om Shanti.”

Nana Patekar passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 75 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa. He was declared dead at around 5:20 a.m. after doctors attempted to revive him.

One of the prominent actors of Hindi and Marathi cinema, Nana Patekar made his film debut with Gaman in 1978. He subsequently established a distinctive identity through powerful performances in films including Parinda, Prahaar, Angaar, Krantiveer, Tirangaa, Khamoshi: The Musical and Ab Tak Chhappan.

Patekar remained active in films during the later stages of his career. He was part of Housefull 5, starring Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan and Riteish Deshmukh. He also appeared as a police officer in Vishal Bhardwaj’s O’Romeo, featuring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri in the lead roles. In addition, he had a special appearance in Subedaar, starring Anil Kapoor and Radhikka Madan.

Patekar’s nearly five-decade career spanned Hindi and Marathi cinema, theatre and filmmaking, and he was widely recognised for his intense performances and distinctive screen presence.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar