But the clip that found its way onto every meme‑thread began in an otherwise routine press meet for Tarun Mansukhani’s Housefull 5. A reporter dared to ask the veteran in English, and Patekar cut him off with a single, punchy line: "Hindi me bol, Angreji nahi aati"—a moment that had the entire auditorium erupting in laughter.
Dr. Shekhar Salkar, chief of oncology at Manipal Hospital, recounts the frantic 45‑minute CPR that failed to revive the actor. He said the heart‑stopper began at 5:20 a.m. when Patekar was found unconscious at his Goa home in Dona Paula, rushed to the hospital, and declared dead after continuous resuscitation.
The press meet had more than just the veteran on the dais. Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh and Dino Morea were there, each adding a layer of star‑power to the event. Their presence underscored how Patekar's comedic timing still resonated with a new generation of Bollywood actors.
Social media didn’t let the clip sit idle. Reddit threads compared Patekar’s surprise role to Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, calling it an absolute wild card. Fans praised the actor’s “cranky and angry” persona, noting how it added a distinct flavor to veteran actors in contemporary cinema.
The last rites will take place at Donje village in Pune, as announced by the family. Fans and colleagues alike are expected to gather, honoring a man who could have the audience laughing and crying in the same breath. The legacy of his sharp wit and indomitable spirit will linger long after the applause fades.