Extraordinary artist, even greater human: Kamal Haasan's moving ode to Nana Patekar

Kamal Haasan remembered Nana Patekar as an actor whose impact extended far beyond the screen, paying tribute to the veteran performer after his death at 75 on Thursday in Goa. In an emotional post, Haasan celebrated Patekar’s extraordinary talent, his contribution to society and the lives he touched away from cinema.Calling him “an extraordinary artist and an even greater human being”, Haasan described Patekar as “a force of nature” whose presence left a lasting impact on those around him.“Heartbreaking news of Nana Patekar Ji’s passing. An extraordinary artist and an even greater human being. The man was a force of nature, and he uplifted the lives of those around him,” Kamal wrote on X.Beyond Patekar’s celebrated career in Hindi and Marathi cinema, Haasan highlighted the actor’s commitment to social causes. Patekar was known for his work supporting farmers in Maharashtra through Naam Foundation, which he co-founded with actor Makarand Anaspure. He had also served as a volunteer during the Kargil War. Reflecting on those contributions, Haasan wrote, “Away from the silver screen, his social work for the farmers in Maharashtra and his services as a volunteer during the Kargil War were indicative of his sense of duty.”Haasan concluded his message by extending his condolences to Patekar’s family and the countless people who admired his work. “My deepest condolences to his family and his legions of fans,” he wrote.Nana Patekar died on Thursday, October 8, at the age of 75. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the film industry, with colleagues remembering one of Indian cinema’s most distinctive performers and the humanitarian work that defined much of his life away from the camera.- Ends