The Maharashtra government will conduct the funeral of veteran actor and filmmaker Nana Patekar with state honours, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar announced. UPDATES HERE
He was an open book, an artist who achieved success under adverse circumstances, and is gone today,” the minister said. The actor was later found unconscious, following which he was rushed to the hospital. “Nana was a shield for everyone from farmers to soldiers. He would even criticise the government on farmers’ issues…He was not one to be confined to any one field.
Information shared by Manipal Hospital said that the doctors tried to revive him for almost 45 minutes after he was brought in, but there was no response.
The decision was made in recognition of the actor’s immense contribution to Marathi theatre, as well as Marathi and Hindi cinema, according to Shelar. “We have spoken to the Chief Minister’s office, and the government will soon announce the details of Nana Patekar’s funeral and visit,” he said. Patekar – who was at home with his nephew Prasad Patekar – had been complaining of a headache since last night, according to sources. Shelar, expressing condolences over Patekar’s death, said that a void would never be filled in the lives of Marathi people.
