Patekar was declared dead at approximately 5.20 am after doctors attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation for about 45 minutes without success. Dr Shekhar Salkar, chief of the oncology department at Manipal Hospital, confirmed that the actor could not be revived despite sustained emergency treatment.
A medico-legal case has been registered, and arrangements were made for a post-mortem examination to establish the precise medical circumstances surrounding his death. Hospital authorities said Patekar remained in asystole, a condition involving the absence of detectable electrical activity in the heart, throughout resuscitation.
The actor was found unconscious at his residence in Dona Paula and subsequently taken to Manipal Hospital. His son, Malhar Patekar, confirmed the death and travelled from Pune to Goa following the emergency.
Further details emerged about the hours preceding the cardiac arrest. Dr Salkar said Patekar had sent a message to a friend at approximately 2.30 am complaining of discomfort and pain on his left side. The friend did not immediately notice the message because it arrived during the night.
When the friend reached Patekar’s residence around 4 am, the actor was reportedly sweating and struggling to breathe. Emergency assistance was arranged, but attempts to restore normal cardiac activity proved unsuccessful.
The medical findings prompted formal procedures, including the medico-legal registration and transfer of the body for examination. Such procedures provide documentation of the circumstances of an unexpected death and do not, by themselves, indicate suspected criminal activity.
Maharashtra’s government announced that Patekar would receive a state funeral in Pune, recognising his contribution to cinema and public life. Arrangements followed consultations involving the authorities and his family.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the actor, acknowledging the distinctive quality of his performances and their influence across generations. Maharashtra’s leadership also expressed condolences, highlighting his contribution to cinema and charitable activities.
Actor Akshay Kumar joined the tributes, recalling Patekar’s individuality and his contribution to the profession. The two performers had appeared together in commercially successful films, including the comedy Welcome, which introduced Patekar’s comic abilities to audiences familiar with his more serious roles.
Patekar’s death brought an abrupt end to a career spanning nearly five decades across Hindi and Marathi cinema. His performances ranged from uncompromising portrayals of troubled characters to popular comic roles, establishing him as a versatile figure in mainstream filmmaking.
Born Vishwanath Patekar on 1 January 1951, he began his career in theatre before making his film debut with Gaman in 1978. His breakthrough came through performances that combined controlled intensity with distinctive dialogue delivery.
His portrayal of a gangster in Parinda earned him a National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. He subsequently received the National Film Award for Best Actor for Krantiveer and another supporting actor award for Agni Sakshi.
Other notable films included Prahaar, Tirangaa, Khamoshi and Ab Tak Chhappan. He also directed Prahaar, expanding his work beyond acting. His contributions to cinema were recognised with the Padma Shri in 2013.
Patekar remained professionally active, appearing in productions including Housefull 5 and O’Romeo. His work continued to encompass different genres, reflecting a career that moved between dramatic and commercial filmmaking.
Outside cinema, Patekar was associated with the Naam Foundation, established to support farmers facing economic hardship and water shortages in Maharashtra. His involvement in agricultural welfare attracted recognition beyond the entertainment industry.
Four days before his death, Patekar had attended a Samraat Club International function in Goa, where he addressed participants. The appearance became one of his final public engagements.
Hospital officials indicated that the post-mortem examination would be undertaken at Goa Medical College. The examination was intended to complete the required medical documentation following his sudden collapse.
Patekar had been staying at his Dona Paula residence when the emergency occurred. His family was coordinating with hospital authorities and officials over the necessary formalities and subsequent funeral arrangements.
