Maharashtra is giving Nana Patekar the send-off his five-decade career earned him. The state government has announced that the veteran actor, who passed away today on October 8 at 75 following a cardiac arrest, will be cremated with full state honours, a rare recognition reserved for those who have left an indelible mark on public life.
Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar confirmed the decision on X, writing, “Considering the unparalleled contribution of actor Nana Patekar to Marathi plays as well as Marathi and Hindi cinema, we have decided to conduct his last rites ‘with full state honors’.” Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Shelar also reflected on the actor’s singular place in the industry, noting how he “carved out a distinct identity for himself” across a career that refused to be boxed in.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis personally spoke with Patekar’s son, Malhar, offering condolences and assuring the family of the government’s full support. An official from the government added that the choice of location for the final rites would rest with the family, with the state stepping in to handle the necessary arrangements.
अभिनेते नाना पाटेकर यांचे मराठी नाटकासह मराठी, हिंदी सिनेमातील अतुलनीय योगदान पाहता त्यांचे अंत्यसंस्कार “शासकीय इतमामात” करण्याचा निर्णय आम्ही केला आहे.
— Adv. Ashish Shelar – ॲड. आशिष शेलार (@ShelarAshish) October 8, 2026
That decision has since been made. Patekar’s final journey will take him to his farmhouse in Donje, near Pune, a place he held deep personal affection for throughout his life. The cremation is set to take place there this evening, at 4 pm, with his body first taken to Goa Medical College before being transported to Maharashtra.
Beyond his staggering body of work, which includes three National Film Awards and four Filmfare Awards, Patekar’s commitment to Maharashtra ran deeper than cinema. Through the Naam Foundation, which he co-founded with actor Makarand Anaspure, he spent years working closely with drought-affected farmers across the state, a cause that earned him respect well beyond the film industry.
As tributes continue pouring in from across Bollywood and beyond, Maharashtra’s decision to honour him this way feels less like protocol and more like gratitude, finally returned.
Also read: Nana Patekar’s Filmfare Award-Winning Performances
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: filmfare.com
