Biography & Overview
Vishwanath Patekar, popularly known as Nana Patekar, was an acclaimed Indian actor, filmmaker, writer and theatre artist known for his powerful performances, distinctive dialogue delivery and intense screen presence. He worked extensively in Hindi and Marathi cinema and established himself as one of India's most respected character actors. His acclaimed performances in Parinda and Krantiveer earned him National Film Awards, while his work across serious drama, action, comedy and character roles made him a versatile performer. He was also associated with social initiatives supporting farmers and drought-affected families in Maharashtra.
Krantiveer, Parinda, Prahaar, Ab Tak Chhappan, Natsamrat, Welcome
Personal Information
- Full Name
- Nana Patekar (Vishwanath Patekar)
- Birthplace
- Murud-Janjira, Maharashtra, India
- Date of Birth
- January 1, 1951
- Date of Death
- October 8, 2026
- Religion
- Hindu
- Caste / Ethnicity
- Marathi
- Hobbies
- Theatre, Acting, Writing, Painting/Art, Social Work
Physical Statistics
- Height
- 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
- Eye Color
- Dark Brown
- Hair Color
- Black
Education & Qualifications
Bachelor of Applied Art
Colleges / Universities
Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art,
Mumbai
Family & Relationships
- Father
- Dinkar Patekar
- Mother
- Sanjanabai Patekar
- Spouse / Partner
- Neelakanti Patekar
- Child
- Malhar Patekar
- Brother
- Ashok Patekar
- Brother
- Dilip Patekar
Career Milestones & Awards
1978 — Gaman
Notable Works & Projects
O'Romeo
2026The Vaccine War
2023Natsamrat
2016Raajneeti
2010Welcome
2007Ab Tak Chhappan
2004Agni Sakshi
1996Krantiveer
1994Angaar
1992Prahaar: The Final Attack
1991Parinda
1989Salaam Bombay!
1988Awards & Honors
Padma Shri
2013Government of India | Awarded for contribution to cinema and arts
National Film Award
1997Best Supporting Actor | Government of India | Won for Agni Sakshi
National Film Award
1995Best Actor | Government of India | Won for Krantiveer
Filmfare Award
1995Best Actor | Filmfare | Won for Krantiveer
Filmfare Award
1993Best Villain | Filmfare | Won for Angaar
National Film Award
1990Best Supporting Actor | Government of India | Won for Parinda
Filmfare Award
1990Best Supporting Actor | Filmfare | Won for Parinda
Lesser-Known Facts & Trivia
- 1He was born as Vishwanath Patekar
- 2He was popularly known as Nana Patekar
- 3He began his career through Marathi theatre
- 4He studied at Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art in Mumbai
- 5He directed Prahaar: The Final Attack
- 6He won National Film Awards for Parinda, Krantiveer and Agni Sakshi
- 7He received the Padma Shri in 2013
- 8He was known for his distinctive voice and dialogue delivery
- 9He co-founded the NAAM Foundation with Makarand Anaspure
- 10He was involved in initiatives supporting drought-affected farmers in Maharashtra
- 11He appeared in both Hindi and Marathi cinema
- 12He provided the Hindi voice of Shere Khan in The Jungle Book (2016)
