Bollywood is in mourning today as veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away at the age of 75. The prolific actor, known for his intense performances and distinctive screen presence, suffered a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa on Thursday, October 8, 2026, and was declared dead at 5:20 am after doctors attempted to revive him for approximately 45 minutes. Among the numerous tributes pouring in from the film fraternity, actress Manisha Koirala, who shared a significant professional and alleged personal history with Patekar, expressed her profound sorrow on social media.
Manisha Koirala Remembers Nana Patekar
Manisha Koirala took to Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to share her grief, penning a heartfelt message for the departed actor. “Deeply saddened by the passing of a great actor, a remarkable presence and a true stalwart of the craft,” Koirala wrote. She further added, “His contribution to cinema and his dedication to his craft will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti”. Her tribute resonated deeply, recalling a notable era in Bollywood when the two actors frequently collaborated and were at the centre of much media speculation regarding their off-screen relationship.
Manisha Koirala Mourns Nana Patekar’s Passing
A Shared Past: Films, Relationship, and Nepal Connection
Nana Patekar and Manisha Koirala’s on-screen chemistry was undeniable, leading to their pairing in several memorable films of the 1990s. Their collaborations include:
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- Agni Sakshi (1996): Directed by Partho Ghosh, this psychological thriller saw Patekar play an obsessive husband, Vishwanath, opposite Koirala’s Shivangi. Patekar’s performance earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1997. The film, which also starred Jackie Shroff, was a box office success, grossing around INR 31.34-41 crore worldwide.
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- Khamoshi: The Musical (1996): Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s directorial debut featured Patekar as Joseph Braganza, the deaf father of Koirala’s character, Annie. Koirala’s portrayal earned her the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress in 1997. Salman Khan also starred in this musical romantic drama.
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- Yugpurush (1998): They reunited for this film after their highly acclaimed 1996 releases.
Beyond their professional association, Manisha Koirala and Nana Patekar were reportedly romantically linked during the 1990s. Reports at the time suggested a close relationship that developed during the filming of Agni Sakshi, despite Patekar being married (though reportedly separated from his wife, Neelkanti Patekar, for many years).
The alleged affair became a significant topic of discussion in entertainment circles. While details were never officially confirmed by either actor, Patekar himself spoke emotionally about missing Koirala years after their reported separation. Ranbir Pushp, writer of Agni Sakshi, confirmed their close bond and mutual understanding on set but did not verify the romance rumours.
Nana Patekar Talks About Nepal in Old Interview, Manishar Koirala Re-Shares Video
Adding a poignant layer to the remembrance, Nana Patekar was also known for his deep admiration for Nepal and its people. In an interview, the veteran actor had expressed his fondness for the Himalayan nation, praising Nepalis for their genuine nature and lack of pretence, stating, “Nepal ke log dil se jeete hain, dikhava nahi karte. Aur yahi unki asli taakat hai” (People of Nepal live from the heart, they don’t pretend. And that is their real strength).
Manisha Koirala, herself a Nepali by birth, shared a profound cultural connection to these sentiments, making Patekar’s appreciation for her homeland particularly meaningful. While the actress’s social media posts primarily focused on his cinematic legacy and passing, his known affection for Nepal adds a touching context to her tribute to her former co-star and alleged partner, underscoring a bond that transcended the silver screen and personal chapters.
Nana Patekar’s funeral will be held with state honours at his Donaje village home near Pune today, October 8, 2026, at 4 pm. His passing marks the end of an era for many in the Indian film industry, leaving behind a legacy of powerful performances and a unique mark on cinema.