Nana Patekar had spoken about his death years before it happened. During the promotion of The Vaccine War in September 2023, the veteran actor opened up about death and revealed that he had already made arrangements for his cremation.

Nana Patekar's Last Wish

The actor said he knew that death was inevitable and that he would have to leave one day in an interview with Aaj Tak, published on September 15, 2023. He also revealed that he had kept wood aside for his cremation.

"Humko maloom hain hume 12 mann lakdi lagne vali hai. Yahi meri final property hai. Iske saath main chala chaunga," he said.

Nana Patekar also had a specific request about the wood that would be used during his cremation. He wanted it to be dry and had asked that wet wood not be used. "Maine apni 12 mann lakdiyan rakhi hui hain. Vo sukhi hain. Usi mein mujhe jalana. Geeli lakdi mat istemaal karna."

He explained that wet wood would create smoke and make the eyes of people attending his cremation water. Nana joked that this could lead to people mistakenly thinking they were crying for him.

"Phir aankh se paani ayega... aise mein marte waqt galatfehmi hogi ki mere liye ro rahe hain, adding, "am se kam marte waqt galatfehmi nahi honi chahiye," the actor added. 

In the same conversation, the Welcome actor spoke about how people eventually move on after someone dies. He also questioned the need to keep accumulating things when everyone has to leave everything behind one day.

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Just days before his death, Nana had spoken about the uncertainty of life at his last public appearance in Goa on October 4. He said, "I am here today. Who knows about tomorrow," while urging people to value their time.

 

 

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The state government has announced that Nana will be accorded a state funeral in recognition of his contribution to Marathi theatre and Hindi and Marathi cinema. His last rites are expected to take place at his farmhouse in Donje, near Pune, a place he was closely associated with.

FAQ

1. How did Nana Patekar die?

Nana Patekar died at 75 on Thursday, October 8, after a severe cardiac arrest at his home in Goa.

2. Where and when will his last rites be held?

His last rites will take place on the evening of October 8 at his farmhouse in Donaje, near Pune. A state funeral is also expected.

3. What is Nana Patekar best known for?

He was one of the most respected actors in Hindi and Marathi cinema. His best-known films include Parinda, Krantiveer, Ab Tak Chhappan and Welcome. He won three National Film Awards and received the Padma Shri in 2013.