Nana Patekar’s Cause of Death Confirmed: Autopsy Reveals Fatal Heart Attack

Veteran actor Nana Patekar, one of Indian cinema’s most powerful performers, died of a heart attack caused by a blood clot blocking the left main coronary artery, according to the autopsy report cited by a senior doctor at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).

The report identified the cause of death as “acute myocardial infarction due to left main coronary artery thrombosis secondary to atherosclerotic occlusive coronary artery disease” and classified it as a natural death.

The 75-year-old actor was taken ill at his residence in Dona Paula, near Panaji, in the early hours of October 8, 2026. His caretaker requested an ambulance from a nearby private hospital. Despite approximately 45 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), doctors could not revive him. He was declared dead at 5:10 am.

His mortal remains were subsequently taken to GMCH for a postmortem examination. His son, Malhar Patekar, arrived in Goa to bring his father’s body back to Maharashtra. The remains were transported to Pune before being taken to the actor’s farmhouse in Donje village, where he was cremated with full state honours.

The funeral drew political leaders, film personalities and hundreds of admirers. Those attending included Maharashtra Deputy Chief Ministers Sunetra Pawar and Eknath Shinde, Union Ministers Ramdas Athawale and Murlidhar Mohol, Lok Sabha MP Sunil Tatkare, actor Jackie Shroff and actor-filmmaker Makarand Anaspure. Several other personalities from politics, Bollywood and sports also paid their final respects.

Patekar built an enduring reputation through intense performances, powerful dialogue delivery and a distinctive screen presence. His notable films included Krantiveer, Parinda, Tirangaa, Khamoshi: The Musical, Agni Sakshi, Ab Tak Chhappan, Raajneeti and Natsamrat. He also showcased his comic timing as Uday Shetty in Welcome. His acclaimed performances earned him multiple National Film Awards.

Beyond cinema, Patekar made significant contributions to rural welfare. In 2015, he co-founded the NAAM Foundation with Makarand Anaspure to help drought-affected farmers and rural communities in Maharashtra. The organisation supported water conservation, watershed development and families affected by farmer suicides.

Patekar leaves behind a legacy defined by compelling performances and a commitment to social service, earning admiration both on screen and beyond it.