Om Shanti: The story behind this trend in Social Media today
08-10-2026
The phrase “Om Shanti” is trending on social media today because people are using it as a traditional condolence for the death of veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar.Patekar, 75, died in the early hours of 8 October 2026 at his residence in Goa after a cardiac arrest. Reports say he had felt unwell and messaged a friend around 2:30 a.m.; by the time help arrived he was in distress, and efforts to revive him, including prolonged CPR, were unsuccessful. He was declared dead around 5:20 a.m. at Manipal Hospital. His son confirmed the news.“Om Shanti” (ॐ शांति) is a Sanskrit expression meaning “Om, peace.” In Hindu practice it is commonly offered after a death as a prayer that the departed soul may find peace. Public figures, fellow actors, and ordinary users have been posting the phrase, often with short tributes, as news of his death spread.Patekar was known for intense, naturalistic performances in Hindi and Marathi cinema over roughly five decades. Notable work included Parinda, Krantiveer (for which he won a National Film Award for Best Actor), Prahaar, Ab Tak Chhappan, and later films such as Welcome and Housefull 5. He was also associated with social work, including support for drought-affected farmers through the Naam Foundation. Tributes have highlighted both his screen presence and that off-screen activity.