Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Nana Patekar Recalled 60 Days With Soldiers During Kargil War
Nana Patekar was a well-known actor in Hindi and Marathi films.
Reports say he died in Goa at age 75 after a cardiac arrest.
In an interview in 2024, he talked about visiting soldiers during the Kargil War in 1999.
He said he spent about 60 days with them.
He also said he became part of a Quick Reaction Team.
He did not explain exactly what work he did there.
An older newspaper report described him moving between army posts and encouraging soldiers.
The accounts describe his time with the troops somewhat differently.
Patekar reportedly died at age 75 in Goa on October 8, 2026, after a cardiac arrest.
In a 2024 interview, he said he spent around 60 days with Indian Army personnel during the 1999 Kargil War.
He recalled asking then Defence Minister George Fernandes to let him go to Kargil and said he was sent to the front the same day.
Patekar said he eventually became part of the Quick Reaction Team, but declined to explain his specific duties.
An August 1999 India Today report described him living with soldiers for over a fortnight and moving between posts to encourage them.
- Who
- Actor Nana Patekar, Indian Army personnel, and then Defence Minister George Fernandes.
- What
- Patekar said he spent around 60 days with troops during the Kargil War and became part of the Quick Reaction Team.
- When
- During the 1999 Kargil War; Patekar recalled the experience in a 2024 interview. His reported death was October 8, 2026.
- Where
- Kargil, including places Patekar named: Mughalpura, Dras, Leh, Kupwara, Baramulla and Sopore; he reportedly died in Dona Paula, Goa.
- Why
- Patekar said he wanted to go to Kargil and described his presence as something he could do for the country.
Patekar's later account
Contemporaneous report
Duration and description of his time with troops
Patekar's later account
In a 2024 interview, Patekar said he spent around 60 days with the Army and eventually joined the Quick Reaction Team.
Contemporaneous report
An August 1999 India Today report described him living with soldiers for over a fortnight and moving between posts as an unofficial cheerleader; it gives a shorter duration and a different description of his presence.
- Reported age at death
- 75
- Reported date and place of death
- October 8, 2026, in Dona Paula, Goa
- Reported cause of death
- Cardiac arrest
- Time with troops
- Around 60 days, according to Patekar
- Reported role
- Member of the Quick Reaction Team (QRT), according to Patekar
- Interview
- The Lallantop, 2024
- Earlier account
- An August 1999 India Today report described him living with soldiers for over a fortnight and moving between posts
