Nana Patekar, 75, was found dead at his Goa home on Thursday morning after a severe cardiac arrest, and the cricketing world was stunned as Virat Kohli took to X to pay his respects.
Patekar first shattered the silver screen in 1978 with Gaman, then became a household name through hits like Parinda, Angaar, and Ab Tak Chhappan. He snagged the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his 1989 role as Anna, and later bagged a Padma Shri in 2013.
Kohli, who’s known for his fierce competitiveness on the pitch, wrote, ‘A true legend of Indian cinema. His work and legacy will live on for generations.’ The excruciatingly heartfelt message was accompanied by a photo of Patekar in a classic black‑and‑white frame.
The news rippled across fan forums, with many citing Patekar’s activism in Maharashtra’s drought relief as a parallel to athletes who champion social causes. Cricket insiders say the loss of a cultural icon will be felt more acutely than a single match.
India’s cricket calendar remains largely unchanged, with the upcoming test series against England set for September. Kohli’s tribute is a reminder that sports and cinema in India are tightly woven threads of national pride.