Hema Malini has said she regrets missing Nana Patekar’s last phone call a week before his death, calling the veteran actor’s passing a great loss.

“I was shocked,” Malini said. She said she had been travelling at the time and could not take the call.

Patekar died at 75 on October 8 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Goa. He was cremated with full state honours at his farmhouse near Pune on Thursday.

Malini described Patekar as a significant loss for both Hindi and Marathi cinema. She also acknowledged his dedication to charitable work through the Naam Foundation, which he founded to support drought-hit farmers in Maharashtra.

Patekar began his career with Gaman in 1978 and went on to deliver acclaimed performances in films including Parinda, Krantiveer, Prahaar, Ab Tak Chhappan and Welcome. His death has drawn tributes from across the film industry and politics, and colleagues have spoken of his honesty and humility.