Like a bird, he soared freely across the skies of cinema: PM Modi pays tribute to late actor Nana Patekar

Speaking during the 10th edition of India Mobile Congress at Yashobhoomi, PM Modi recalled Patekars career and said the actor had won audiences over with the different characters he played. He called him an exceptional artist who spent his life devoted to cinema.

He was an exceptional artist who won the hearts of audiences through the diverse characters he portrayed, he said.

PM Modi also spoke about Patekars approach to acting and cinema, saying he never limited himself to a particular kind of role. He described the actor as someone who soared freely across the world of cinema.

Nana Patekar ji devoted his life to the art and craft of cinema. He never allowed himself to be confined by boundaries; like a bird, he soared freely across the skies of cinema, PM Modi said.

Remembering Patekars work beyond entertainment, the Prime Minister said the actor used his films to raise issues related to society. He called him a revolutionary who spoke against social evils and said his words had a strong impact.

Through his films, he powerfully challenged the injustices and shortcomings prevalent in society. He was a revolutionary in his own way, who worked against social evils. His words were as powerful as his silence was impactful. He consistently stood for taking a firm stand against forces that worked against the nation, he said.

I pay my heartfelt tribute to Nana Patekar ji and express my deepest condolences to his family members, friends and countless admirers, he added.

Actor Nana Patekar died at 5.20 am on Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest, Dr Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Department of Oncology at Manipal Hospital, told ANI over the phone.

According to Dr Salkar, Patekar suffered a cardiac arrest at his residence. CPR was given for 45 minutes, but he remained in asystole throughout the process. A medico-legal case has been completed, while a post-mortem examination is required, the doctor said.

Patekar was one of the prominent names in Hindi and Marathi cinema. He made his acting debut with the 1978 film Gaman and went on to receive praise for films such as Parinda, Prahar, Angaar, Krantiveer, Tiranga, Khamoshi and Ab Tak Chhappan.

He continued to work in films in recent years. Patekar was part of Housefull 5, which starred Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh and others.

The 75-year-old actor also played a police officer in Vishal Bhardwajs ORomeo, starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri. He also had a cameo in Subedar, which stars Anil Kapoor and Radhika Madan. (ANI)