New Delhi, Oct. 8 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to veteran actor Nana Patekar, who passed away early this morning.

Speaking during the 10th edition of India Mobile Congress at Yashobhoomi, PM Modi recalled Patekar's career and said the actor had won audiences over with the different characters he played. He called him an "exceptional artist" who spent his life devoted to cinema.

"He was an exceptional artist who won the hearts of audiences through the diverse characters he portrayed," he said.

PM Modi also spoke about Patekar's approach to acting and cinema, saying he never limited himself to a particular kind of role. He described the actor as someone who "soared freely" across the world of cinema.

"Nana Patekar ji dev...