Veteran actor Nana Patekar has been remembered by actress Sonali Kulkarni as a generous friend, supportive colleague and influential performer following his death at the age of 75.
Patekar died on October 8, 2026, after being found unconscious at his home in Goa. He was taken to a hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him. Hospital authorities said he died following cardiac arrest. His death was confirmed by his son Malhar Patekar, while reports said Maharashtra would accord him a state funeral.
Amid tributes from across the Indian film industry, Sonali Kulkarni spoke about her personal relationship with Patekar in an exclusive conversation with Zoom. She remembered him not simply as a respected actor but as someone who had a strong personal impact on the people who worked with him and knew him closely.
Kulkarni and Patekar worked together on several projects, including Taxi No 9211, Deool and Dr Prakash Baba Amte. Their professional association developed into a close friendship over the years. According to Kulkarni, their relationship went through different stages before eventually becoming a strong personal bond.
She recalled that Patekar was a person who gave generously to people around him. Her comments highlighted his support for farmers, technicians and fellow actors, as well as his involvement in social initiatives. Kulkarni said she believed he had given a great deal to others without necessarily receiving the same level of affection or appreciation in return.
The actress also spoke about the personal side of Patekar that was not always visible to audiences. While he was widely recognised for his intense performances and distinctive dialogue delivery, colleagues often described a different side of his personality away from the camera.
Kulkarni recalled several personal memories with the veteran actor, including moments when they laughed and cried together. She described those memories as unforgettable and said his presence had become an important part of her life.
Her recollections add a personal dimension to the widespread tributes that followed Patekar's death. Across Hindi and Marathi cinema, the actor was known for his ability to portray dramatically different characters with intensity and authenticity. Reuters noted that he worked in both serious and comic roles and received several national and regional awards during his career.
Patekar's career began in Marathi theatre before he moved into films. He became known for performances that combined emotional depth with a powerful screen presence. Over several decades, he appeared in films across Hindi and Marathi cinema and established himself as one of the industry's distinctive performers.
Among his widely recognised films are Parinda, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Ab Tak Chhappan, Welcome, Apaharan, Natsamrat, Deool and Dr Prakash Baba Amte. His work covered a wide range of characters, from serious dramatic roles to comic performances.
His contribution was not limited to acting. Patekar also directed films, including Prahaar: The Final Attack, and was involved in social initiatives. His public image combined his work in cinema with an interest in social issues and assistance for people in need.
Kulkarni's connection with Patekar also goes back many years. In an earlier interview about working with him, she said that she learned a great deal from Patekar on film sets. She recalled that rehearsals were taken seriously and that his approach encouraged fellow performers to improve their performances.
Her earlier comments also illustrated the contrast between Patekar's strong screen personality and his interactions with colleagues. She had described him as an actor from whom she learned through rehearsals and performances, while other colleagues have recalled his generosity and hospitality away from the camera.
The relationship between Kulkarni and Patekar developed beyond their professional work. In her latest comments, she recalled that he attended the inauguration of her first book and remained fond of her family. She also described herself as someone with whom Patekar could speak openly about personal matters.
For Kulkarni, Patekar's death therefore represents the loss of both a respected actor and a close friend. Her comments focused less on his celebrity status and more on the memories they created during years of working together and maintaining their personal relationship.
Patekar's death has prompted tributes from actors, filmmakers, political leaders and other public figures. His distinctive voice, intense performances and ability to move between different genres made him a recognised figure across generations of Indian cinema.
The circumstances surrounding his final hours have also been reported by multiple news organisations. The Indian Express reported that Patekar had messaged a friend at around 2.30 am on October 8 saying that he was unwell. He was later found at his Goa residence and taken to hospital, where he was declared dead at around 5.20 am.
His passing marks the end of a long career that spanned theatre, Hindi cinema, Marathi cinema and filmmaking. His performances remained known for their emotional intensity, while his public life also included social work and involvement in causes concerning farmers and communities.
Kulkarni's tribute is significant because it reflects the perspective of someone who knew Patekar personally as well as professionally. Her description of him as a giver and her memories of their friendship provide an insight into the person behind the screen image.
The actress's comments also underline the lasting influence Patekar had on colleagues. For many performers who worked with him, his presence on a film set was an opportunity to learn from an experienced actor who approached performances with seriousness and commitment.
While audiences remember Patekar for his memorable characters and powerful performances, Kulkarni's recollections highlight another aspect of his legacy. She remembered the conversations, humour, emotional moments and generosity that shaped their friendship over the years.
Nana Patekar's contribution to Indian cinema will therefore be remembered through both his body of work and the personal memories shared by those who knew him. As tributes continue to come in following his death, Sonali Kulkarni's recollection offers an intimate account of a relationship that extended well beyond the film set.
