Nana Patekar dies in Goa: Full list of cricketers who paid tribute to the veteran actor

Veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar, known for his intense performances and distinctive dialogue delivery, has died at the age of 75 in Goa. His death has left fans and the Indian film industry mourning the loss of one of the country's most respected actors.

Former Indian cricketers Ajinkya Rahane, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh, among others, expressed grief over Nana Patekar's death. They paid tribute to the veteran actor and remembered his lasting contribution to Indian cinema.

Several other prominent names from Indian cricket, including Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, also paid tribute to the veteran actor. Throughout this article, we will share the complete details of the cricketers who paid tribute to Nana Patekar and their reactions to his death.

Who was Nana Patekar? Inside his filmography and cricket connection

Nana Patekar was one of the most recognisable faces in Indian cinema, known for his intense performances and distinctive dialogue delivery. He won three National Film Awards and became a prominent name in both Hindi and Marathi cinema. After starting his career in theatre, he made his film debut with Gaman in 1978 and went on to deliver memorable performances in films such as Parinda, Prahaar, Tirangaa, Krantiveer, Khamoshi and Rajneeti.

Patekar was known for taking on a wide range of roles, from gangsters and police officers to politicians and emotionally complex characters. His performance in Parinda earned him his first National Film Award, while Krantiveer and Agni Sakshi added to his National Award-winning career. Apart from acting, he also worked as a director and writer and remained closely associated with Marathi and Hindi theatre. His work in theatre helped shape the powerful dialogue delivery and screen presence that later became his trademark.

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Patekar also had a strong connection with cricket from his childhood. He grew up playing at Mumbai's famous Shivaji Park and reportedly started visiting the ground at around the age of 13. He bowled off-spin and spent time bowling in the nets to local batters. He also crossed paths with cricketers such as Sandeep Patil during his playing days. However, a finger injury and financial responsibilities at home eventually ended his hopes of pursuing cricket professionally.

His passion for cricket continued even after he entered the film industry. Patekar was a keen admirer of Virat Kohli and had often spoken about his love for the Indian batter. He even joked that Kohli's early dismissal could affect his appetite, showing how emotionally invested he was in the cricketer's performances. Patekar also drew parallels between cricket and acting, noting that both professions involve performing under intense public scrutiny.

How did Nana Patekar die in Goa? What we know about his final hours

Nana Patekar died after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Goa. He was 75. According to sources, the veteran actor had been at home with his nephew, Prasad Patekar, and had complained of a headache the previous night.

Patekar was later found unconscious at his home and was immediately rushed to the hospital. According to information shared by Manipal Hospital in Goa, doctors tried to revive him for nearly 45 minutes after he was brought in. However, he did not respond to the treatment.

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The actor was declared dead at 5:20 am. His son, Malhar Patekar, was in Pune at the time and left for Goa after learning about his father's death, according to sources.

Full list of cricketers who paid tribute to Nana Patekar after his death

Virat Kohli was among the prominent cricketers who paid tribute to Nana Patekar. Kohli remembered the veteran actor as a legend of Indian cinema and said his work and legacy would continue to be remembered for generations. He wrote, “A true legend of Indian cinema. His work and legacy will live on for generations. Rest in peace, Nana Patekar ji. Om Shanti.”

Ajinkya Rahane also mourned Patekar's death and praised his contribution to Indian cinema. He wrote, “Nana Patekar ji was a truly remarkable actor whose work has inspired and entertained generations. Very sad to hear about his passing. May his soul rest in peace.”

Shikhar Dhawan also paid tribute, describing Patekar as a special talent and saying his work would continue to inspire generations.

Suresh Raina also remembered Patekar, writing, “An era ends with the passing of a true legend. Nana Patekar ji — your powerful performances, honesty and simplicity made you one of Indian cinema’s most unforgettable artists. You will always be remembered.”

Sachin Tendulkar remembered Patekar as a straightforward and grounded person and praised the honesty he brought to his performances in both Marathi and Hindi cinema. He wrote, “I remember Nana Patekar as a very straightforward and grounded person. His work had that same honesty to it.” Tendulkar also expressed his sadness and offered condolences to Patekar's family and loved ones

Yuvraj Singh was also among the sports personalities who paid tribute to the veteran actor following his death.

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Deepti Sharma also remembered Patekar, adding to the tributes from the Indian cricket fraternity. Several other prominent sports figures also expressed their grief following the actor's death.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla also paid tribute to Patekar, remembering both his contribution to cinema and his social work

He described the actor as an exceptionally compassionate human being and praised his versatility and powerful screen presence.