Panaji: Veteran actor Nana Patekar had spoken about the inevitability of death at a social event in Goa just three days before his reported death, saying he did not know whether he would be there the next day.
Patekar made the remarks on October 4 while addressing an event organised by Samrat Club International at Dona Paula near Panaji. He also remembered his friend and former Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar during the programme.
“We all have to leave one day. I don’t know whether I will be here tomorrow,” Patekar was quoted as saying. He urged people to reflect on whether they were pursuing what they truly wanted to do before that time arrived.
Patekar, 76, reportedly died early Thursday morning in Goa after suffering a cardiac arrest. His body was taken to Goa Medical College and Hospital near Panaji for a post-mortem examination.
At the October 4 event, Patekar recalled Parrikar, describing him as someone people could be proud of. He said Parrikar was younger than him but had been such a respected figure that he would bow his head in respect when he saw him.
Actor had messaged friend before death
According to doctors cited by PTI, Patekar messaged a friend at around 3.30am on Thursday, saying that he was not feeling well. He was later found unconscious at his apartment in Dona Paula and was taken to a private hospital.
Senior doctor Dr Shekhar Salkar said Patekar was staying at the apartment with a caretaker. The actor’s friend reportedly saw the message at around 4am and rushed to the residence.
Salkar said the friend reached the apartment after seeing the message, but Patekar was subsequently taken to hospital.
