India, Oct. 11 -- There are actors who become stars because they are beautiful, glamorous or marketable. And then there are actors who become something larger: a voice, an attitude, a moral posture. Nana Patekar belonged to the second category.

His death at 75 marks the end of a remarkable career spanning nearly five decades, but it would be inadequate to describe him merely as a successful actor. He became a popular icon without ever looking or behaving like a conventional icon. He did not cultivate the aura of the star. He cultivated the authenticity of a man who had seen enough of life to speak plainly about it.

Born Vishwanath Patekar in Maharashtra, Nana came to acting through Marathi theatre before making his film debut in Gaman i...