Veteran actor Nana Patekar died in the early hours of Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa.
Their friendship gradually grew into a relationship, and the two got married in 1978, when Nana was still working his way up in the film industry. For decades, Nana was one of Indian cinema’s most recognisable actors, known for performances that could be fierce, vulnerable, unpredictable and completely different from one film to another. But away from the screen and the constant attention that came with his stardom, he kept one part of his life particularly private: his marriage to Neelakanti Patekar. Nana and Neelakanti reportedly met through Marathi theatre. At the time, Neelakanti was working as a bank officer while continuing to explore acting. After spending years away from acting, Neelakanti made her return to the screen with Chhaava, the historical drama featuring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna . She played Dharau in the film. Her comeback brought her back into the spotlight and renewed interest in her career.
Her acting career and awards
Instead, she followed her interest in theatre, a decision that eventually shaped her career. Neelakanti became actively involved in Marathi theatre and slowly established herself as a performer. Neelakanti’s talent was recognised early in her theatre career. She later made her way into Marathi cinema. Her performance earned her the Maharashtra State Government’s Best Actress award, further establishing her as a respected actor in the Marathi film and theatre space.
In 1973, she won the Gold Medal for Best Actress at the Maharashtra State Drama Competition, giving her a significant early achievement in Marathi theatre. In 1989, she starred opposite Sachin Pilgaonkar in Aatm Vishwas, which was directed by Pilgaonkar as well. Earlier reporting noted: The 76-year-old actor, known for his versatility and powerful screen presence, passed away at his Goa residence in the early hours of Thursday, Earlier reporting noted: “Indian cinema received, in Nana, a rugged yet equally sensitive actor from the soil of Maharashtra.
He was as large-hearted as he was a towering presence on screen,” Fadnavis said, describing his sudden demise as shocking. Earlier reporting noted: Rugged yet sensitive actor from soil of Maharashtra: Fadnavis pays tribute to Nana Patekar Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday condoled the death of veteran actor Nana Patekar, saying that Indian cinema had lost a towering face of acting and sensitivity.
