India
Maharashtra to Grant State Honors for Nana Patekar’s Cremation
Veteran actor Nana Patekar, who died at 75 on Thursday morning, October 8, 2026, will be cremated with full state honours, the Maharashtra government announced. Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said the decision recognises Patekar’s significant contributions to Marathi and Hindi cinema and theatre. He passed away in the early hours in Goa. The family will decide whether the funeral will be held in Pune or Mumbai; the government will arrange the necessary logistics. Shelar highlighted Patekar’s rise from a humble background, his distinct identity in acting across film and theatre, and his vocal advocacy for farmers, youth, addiction prevention, and water conservation. He was known for speaking his mind with sincerity. The loss is described as a severe blow to Marathi theatre, Marathi and Hindi cinema, and the art of acting. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde noted Patekar’s work for farmers’ upliftment through his Naam Foundation, which served drought‑prone regions of Maharashtra. The announcement was made in Nagpur and published at 10:15 am IST on October 8, 2026.