8 October 2026 (Navroze Bureau) Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has expressed grief over the reported death of veteran actor Nana Patekar, paying an emotional tribute to his Welcome co-star. Remembering their association and Patekar’s contribution to Indian cinema, Kumar said it was difficult to believe that the veteran actor was no longer around.
In an emotional message, Akshay Kumar recalled Nana Patekar with affection and described the news of his passing as difficult to accept. His tribute reflected the impact Patekar had not only as an accomplished performer but also as a respected presence in the Hindi film industry.
The two actors shared the screen in the popular comedy Welcome, one of the films that became particularly memorable for its ensemble cast and comic performances. Patekar played the character of Uday Shetty, while Kumar portrayed Rajiv, creating several scenes that remain popular among audiences.
Patekar’s portrayal of Uday Shetty became one of the defining performances of Welcome. His distinctive dialogue delivery, comic timing and intense acting style helped make the character a favourite among viewers. The film also featured Anil Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Katrina Kaif and Mallika Sherawat in important roles.
For Akshay Kumar, the film represented an important collaboration with Patekar. Their on-screen chemistry contributed to the film’s enduring popularity and helped establish Welcome as one of Bollywood’s well-known comedy films.
Kumar’s tribute has drawn attention from fans who remember the two actors’ performances together. Social media users have shared scenes and dialogues from Welcome, recalling Patekar’s memorable role and his distinctive contribution to the movie.
Nana Patekar had enjoyed a long and varied career spanning Hindi and Marathi cinema. Known for his versatility, he successfully moved between serious dramatic roles, action films and comedy. His performances frequently received recognition for their intensity and distinctive screen presence.
Over the course of his career, Patekar appeared in numerous acclaimed films and worked with some of India’s most prominent filmmakers and actors. His work earned him major honours, including National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards.
Among his widely remembered performances are films such as Parinda, Krantiveer, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan and Natsamrat. His ability to portray emotionally complex and powerful characters established him as one of the most recognisable performers in Indian cinema.
His work in Marathi cinema was equally significant. Natsamrat, based on the acclaimed Marathi play of the same name, showcased his ability to handle emotionally demanding material and became an important film in his later career.
Patekar also remained connected with theatre and social causes throughout his career. Beyond acting, he was known for his involvement in humanitarian initiatives, particularly during periods when Maharashtra was affected by drought and other hardships.
The reported news of his death has prompted tributes from colleagues, fans and members of the film fraternity. Several admirers have revisited his most memorable performances, highlighting the range of characters he played during his decades-long career.
Akshay Kumar’s tribute is particularly significant because of the popularity of Welcome and the strong association audiences have with the film’s central characters. Uday Shetty and Majnu Bhai, played by Patekar and Anil Kapoor respectively, became iconic comic characters and contributed greatly to the film’s legacy.
The original Welcome, released in 2007, was directed by Anees Bazmee. The film combined comedy, romance and mistaken identities and went on to become a major commercial success. Its dialogues and characters continued to remain popular long after its theatrical release.
For many viewers, Patekar’s performance in the film represented a different side of an actor better known for intense dramatic roles. His ability to combine seriousness with comedy made Uday Shetty a memorable character.
Akshay Kumar’s words of remembrance have therefore resonated strongly with audiences who grew up watching the two actors together on screen. His message captured the sense of disbelief and loss felt by those who admired Patekar’s work.
As tributes continue to emerge, Nana Patekar’s contribution to Indian cinema remains a major part of his legacy. His performances across multiple genres, along with his distinctive dialogue delivery and powerful screen presence, have left a lasting impression on generations of moviegoers.
For Akshay Kumar and fans of Welcome, Patekar’s Uday Shetty will remain one of the most memorable characters from the actor’s extensive film career.