Nana Patekar Profile
- Full Name: Vishwanath Patekar
- Popular Name: Nana Patekar
- Nickname: Nana
- Profession: Actor, Director, Writer, Filmmaker, Philanthropist
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: 1951-01-01
- Date of Death: 2026-10-08
- Age: 75 years
- Birth Place: Murud-Janjira, Maharashtra, India
- Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
- Nationality: Indian
- Hometown: Murud-Janjira, Maharashtra
- Education: Commercial Art
- School/College: Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art, Mumbai
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 70–72 kg
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
- Hair Color: Salt and Pepper
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse: Neelkanti Patekar
- Son: Malhar Patekar
- Other Son: Durvasa Patekar, died in childhood
- Father: Gajanan/Gajanand Patekar
- Mother: Nirmala Patekar
- Brothers: Ashok Patekar and Dilip Patekar
- Estimated Net Worth: Approximately ₹50–80 crore; media estimates vary and were never officially confirmed
- Hobbies/Interests: Theatre, painting, farming, social work and creative arts
- Major Awards: Three National Film Awards, Filmfare honours and Padma Shri
Nana Patekar Biography
Nana Patekar was one of the most respected and versatile actors in Indian cinema, particularly known for his powerful performances in Hindi and Marathi films. His real name was Vishwanath Patekar, while Nana was the name by which he became popularly known. Born into a Marathi family in Murud-Janjira, Maharashtra, he experienced financial difficulties during childhood, experiences that later influenced his grounded personality and acting style. He began performing in plays at a young age and eventually pursued formal education in commercial art.
Patekar studied at the Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art in Mumbai and developed an interest in theatre and creative arts. Before becoming a major film star, he worked in theatre and also painted film posters to earn money. His film career began with Gaman in 1978. Over the following decades, he established himself through performances in films such as Parinda, Prahaar, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi: The Musical, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan, Raajneeti, Welcome and Natsamrat.
His acting career earned him multiple National Film Awards and Filmfare honours. He was also awarded the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to Indian cinema and the arts. Beyond acting, he worked as a director, writer and filmmaker and was associated with social initiatives supporting farmers and rural communities. He also served with the Territorial Army and participated in activities connected with the 1999 Kargil War.
Nana Patekar married Neelkanti Patekar in 1978. The couple had two sons, but their first son, Durvasa, died at around two-and-a-half years of age. Their surviving son, Malhar Patekar, has worked in filmmaking and has largely stayed away from the celebrity spotlight. Nana and Neelkanti reportedly lived separately for many years but remained legally married.
On October 8, 2026, Nana Patekar died at the age of 75 after suffering cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa. His death marked the end of a remarkable career spanning theatre, Hindi cinema and Marathi cinema.
Unknown Facts About Nana Patekar
- He started participating in village plays while still in school.
- He worked as a film-poster painter during his teenage years.
- His difficult childhood became an important influence on his acting.
- He began his film career with Gaman in 1978.
- He was not limited to acting and also directed and wrote films.
- He directed Prahaar: The Final Attack in 1991.
- He served in the Territorial Army and underwent military training.
- He participated in activities connected with the Kargil War in 1999.
- He received the Padma Shri in 2013.
- His performance in Natsamrat became one of his most acclaimed Marathi roles.
- He co-founded the NAAM Foundation, associated with support for distressed farmers.
- Despite considerable wealth, he was widely known for maintaining a simple lifestyle.
- He was also recognised for his distinctive voice and intense dialogue delivery.
- His son Malhar chose a relatively private career behind the scenes in filmmaking.
- Nana Patekar’s career successfully crossed Marathi theatre, Marathi cinema, Hindi parallel cinema and mainstream Bollywood.
