Hema Malini has recalled missing a recent phone call from Nana Patekar, admitting that she was shocked when she heard about his death. The veteran actor died on October 8, 2026, aged 75, after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa. Hema Malini said she had been travelling when Nana Patekar tried to contact her approximately a week earlier.

Hema Malini recalls missing Nana Patekar’s call

Speaking to IANS at an event attended by filmmaker Subhash Ghai, Malini spoke about her recent contact with Patekar. She regretted that she had missed the opportunity to speak with him and described the loss as a major one for Indian cinema.“…He rang a few days back. He spoke to me also. Just about a week back also I had one call, I think. But somehow I missed because I was travelling. So, when I heard today, I was shocked. Our industry, Hindi film and Marathi film industry, has lost such a great actor. He himself was an institution for acting.”

Actress remembers his work beyond cinema

Hema Malini also paid tribute to Nana Patekar through a post on X. She highlighted his acting talent and his dedication to charitable work through the Naam Foundation, which supports farmers and underprivileged communities.“Today we have lost an icon of the film industry. Nana Patekar, who has carved a place for himself with his unique acting talent and was hailed as a complete institution of histrionics is no more. He is known for his tireless work for the Naam Foundation, always devoted to the betterment of farmers and the underprivileged.”The actress also reflected on Nana Patekar’s extensive work in Hindi and Marathi films. She said she enjoyed watching his performances and appreciated his distinctive approach to different roles. Hema Malini further recalled that Nana Patekar had once called her his favourite actress in classic cinema. “The film industry will surely miss this stalwart,” she added.As reported by ANI, Nana Patekar was taken to Manipal Hospital in the early hours of Thursday. However, doctors were unable to revive him despite resuscitation attempts. His death prompted tributes from colleagues across Hindi and Marathi cinema, with many remembering his distinctive performances and contributions beyond the screen.See More: Nana Patekar passes away: Nana Patekar cremated with full state honours at his Pune farmhouse; thousands bid him an emotional farewell as his son lights the funeral pyre

Akshay Kumar, Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan pay tribute

Several prominent film personalities mourned Nana Patekar’s death. Akshay Kumar remembered his ‘Welcome’ co-star and his striking screen presence. Rajinikanth also paid tribute, acknowledging the veteran actor’s contribution to cinema.Riteish Deshmukh described the loss as the “end of an era”, remembering Patekar’s acting range and character. Amitabh Bachchan honoured the late actor during ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 18’, recalling him as an extraordinary artist, a close friend and a supporter of farmers in drought-hit Maharashtra.Alia Bhatt shared a tribute on Instagram Stories, writing, “Farewell, Nana Sir. You’ve made the world laugh, cry, and feel so much more in between. No one like you.” Kareena Kapoor Khan also remembered him, writing, “Rest in power Legend.”Tributes also arrived from South Indian cinema, with Jr NTR and Prabhu Deva among those acknowledging Patekar’s versatility. Sunny Deol spoke about their special bond despite never having worked together, while Bobby Deol remembered the actor’s warmth and kindness.Karan Johar praised Patekar’s powerful screen characters, while Sonu Nigam recalled their shared admiration for Mohammed Rafi. Other celebrities who paid tribute included Anushka Sharma, Ranveer Singh, Hrithik Roshan, Madhuri Dixit, Anil Kapoor, Suniel Shetty, Arjun Rampal, Farhan Akhtar, Nimrat Kaur and Jubin Nautiyal.