PANAJI: Four days before his death, veteran actor Nana Patekar was seen smiling, dancing with performers and trying his hand at the traditional Goan percussion instrument Shamel at an event in Goa.The visuals from his final public appearance show the 75-year-old actor in a white kurta and scarf, enthusiastically joining local artists, clapping along to performances and appreciating their art.Patekar attended the installation ceremony of Rajshri Khandeparkar as president of Samraat Club International in Dona Paula on October 4, where he also addressed the gathering.Former MP Narendra Sawaikar, who was present at the event, said Patekar spoke openly about life, urging people to serve others and make the most of their time.“I am here today. Who knows about tomorrow,” Patekar said, according to Sawaikar. He also said, “Serve as much as you can. After all, what are we going to take with us when we leave.”Sawaikar said Patekar “spoke fearlessly and frankly” at the event, taking jibes and sharing anecdotes, before joining the Samai dance group on stage.In another part of the event, Patekar was seen trying his hand at the Shamel, a traditional Goan percussion instrument, as artists performed around him. He smiled and appeared to thoroughly enjoy the moment.He interacted with artists, played the tabla and danced alongside performers. He spoke about his long association with theatre and said he wanted to continue doing plays.“Now, I don’t want to do anything else. Let’s keep doing this only,” he said while recalling his early days in theatre.Patekar died on Thursday after suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa. He was rushed to a private hospital in the early hours of the morning.Dr Shekhar Salkar, chief of the Department of Oncology at Manipal Hospital, said Patekar was brought to the hospital around 4.20am and could not be revived despite prolonged CPR. He was declared dead at 5.20am.The actor’s body was sent to Goa Medical College for post-mortem.Patekar, a National Award-winning actor, was known for his work across theatre, Hindi and Marathi cinema. His death prompted tributes from political leaders, actors and admirers across the country.
