The sudden passing of legendary Indian actor Nana Patekar on October 8, sent deep shockwaves all across India.

The 75 year-old acclaimed and iconic actor was visiting his hometown of Goa when he, according to Indian media reports, unexpectedly died from cardiac arrest.

Patekar was one of the most sought after actors both in Hindi and Marathi language films. Due to his on-screen presence and ability to bring deep emotion to his acting, Patekar’s films often became box office hits and were considered to some of the best films ever made in the Indian film industry.

His rise to fame came from humble beginnings where the actor took to the local stage as a young man to hone his acting skills. His performances in Marathi and Hindi plays gave him recognition as a strong, passionate and versatile actor which ultimately caught the attention of Bollywood.

Once Patekar entered into the Indian film industry, there was no looking back for the talented entertainer as his ability as a gifted actor mesmerized audiences all across the world.

His films, most of them box office hits, made Patekar a huge success not only in India but overseas with the South Asian communities.

I had the privilege of meeting Patekar a few years ago in New Jersey at a fundraising event. I distinctly remember when he entered the room, there was a 5 minute standing ovation given to him from audience members reacting as if a Rockstar had just entered the room.

It was something I will never forget.

Patekar’s films were much more than just the typical drama seen in Bollywood. The story lines were often associated with daily life struggles and situations.

His blockbuster 1996 Hindi film “Khamoshi: The Musical” centered around an aspiring musician with deaf parents. In his acclaimed award-winning 1998 film “Wajood” Patekar plays the role of a struggling actor who tries to make it big against all odds.

His 2016 Marathi language film “Natasamrat” focuses on family sacrifices while struggling with the agonizing realities of growing old. The movie played to packed theaters in India for months winning several major industry awards and prompting a US premiere.

Patekar earned numerous prestigious awards in his 50 years as an actor including three National Film Awards (equivalent to the Oscars), four Filmfare Awards (similar to the Golden Globes) and India’s fourth highest civilian honor, the Padma Sri.

The actor leaves behind his wife of 35 years Neelakanti Patekar and an adult son Malhar.

The much-loved Patekar was given a full state funeral and was cremated near his farmhouse in Donje, a town near Pune, India on October 8 in the evening.

The journey continues….and for Nana Patekar, is will now be a peaceful one.

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