When veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away at 75 on October 8, 2026, at his home in Dona Paula, Goa, attention turned to the family he leaves behind. They are his son, Malhar Patekar, and his estranged wife, Neelakanti Patekar. Here’s who she is.
From Marathi Theatre to a Marriage
According to Pinkvilla, the two first met through Marathi theatre. Neelakanti was working as a bank officer while pursuing acting, and their friendship grew into romance. They married in 1978, while Nana was still finding his feet in films. The couple reportedly lost their first son, Durvasa, at a very young age, and later welcomed Malhar. Over the years they began living separately, though they remained married.
Neelakanti Patekar: Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Hometown | Born in Pune; grew up in several cities due to her father’s transfers |
| Education | Studied Physics; cleared the IIT entrance exam |
| Her real choice | Skipped engineering to follow her love of theatre |
| Early win | Gold Medal for Best Actress at a drama competition (1973) |
| Film breakthrough | Aatma Vishwas (1989) opposite Sachin Pilgaonkar, which won her a state Best Actress Award |
| Recent comeback | Played Dharau in Chhaava |
A Career Built on Her Own Terms
Her story stands out because she made a bold choice early. She cleared one of India’s toughest entrance exams, then walked away to chase acting. That decision paid off with theatre honours and a state award.
After a long break from the screen, she returned in the historical drama Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna. It was a quiet but meaningful comeback.
For a closer look at the late actor’s life and films, see Nana Patekar’s Wikipedia page.
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FAQs
Who is Neelakanti Patekar?
She is a Marathi theatre and film actress and Nana Patekar’s estranged wife. They married in 1978.
Who survives Nana Patekar?
He is survived by his son, Malhar Patekar, and his wife, Neelakanti Patekar.
