The director-producer Nitin Desai, who passed away at the age of 57. The news has left the Bollywood industry in shock. On August 2, Nitin Desai was found hanging in his studio, and the postmortem reports confirmed the cause of death as hanging. His mortal remains have been brought to the ND Art World Studio Pvt Ltd studio, where family members, friends, colleagues, and Bollywood celebrities have gathered to pay their last respects.
Among the prominent names spotted at the last rites were Aamir Khan and Ashutosh Gowariker, who arrived to mourn the loss of their dear friend and collaborator. Aamir Khan, clad in a yellow cotton kurta and blue trousers, offered his prayers and consoled Nitin Desai's family members with individual greetings and hugs. Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, who had worked closely with the late art director on various projects like Lagaan and Jodha Akbar, was also present to pay his respects.
Aamir Khan, Ashutosh Gowariker and others arrive for Nitin Desai's last rites |
Other notable personalities from the film industry, including Director Madhur Bhandarkar, Manoj Joshi, Mukesh Rishi, and Sonali Kulkarni, were among those who arrived to bid farewell to Nitin Desai. Not only renowned in Hindi cinema, but Nitin Desai also made significant contributions to the Marathi film industry, evident from the presence of popular faces from the Marathi film fraternity at the solemn occasion.
The sudden loss of Nitin Desai has deeply impacted the film industry, and his work will be remembered for years to come. As celebrities and colleagues gather to pay their last respects, they reflect on his invaluable contributions to the world of art direction and production, and mourn the untimely departure of a talented and beloved figure.
Nitin Desai, the renowned art director-producer, has been associated with several successful movies in the Indian film industry. Some of his best movies include:
Lagaan (2001) - Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, Lagaan is an epic sports drama set in the British colonial era. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and received widespread critical acclaim for its captivating story and impressive production design, for which Nitin Desai played a pivotal role.
Jodhaa Akbar (2008) - Another collaboration with director Ashutosh Gowariker, Jodhaa Akbar is a historical romance drama based on the life of Emperor Akbar and his queen, Jodha Bai. The film received praise for its grand sets and visually stunning portrayal of the Mughal era.
Devdas (2002) - Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Devdas is a classic Indian romantic drama based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel. The film was known for its opulent and detailed sets, bringing the audience into the extravagant world of the characters.
1942: A Love Story (1994) - Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, this romantic drama is set against the backdrop of India's struggle for independence. Nitin Desai's art direction added to the film's nostalgic and period charm.
Agneepath (1990) - Directed by Mukul Anand, Agneepath is a cult classic and one of Amitabh Bachchan's iconic roles. Nitin Desai's work in this film contributed to its intense and gritty atmosphere.
Khamoshi: The Musical (1996) - Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, this musical drama showcased Nitin Desai's expertise in creating emotionally charged and visually appealing sets.
Pardes (1997) - Directed by Subhash Ghai, Pardes is a romantic drama that explores the clash of cultures between NRIs and Indians. Nitin Desai's art direction brought authenticity to the film's depiction of both India and foreign locations.
These are just a few examples of Nitin Desai's remarkable work in the Indian film industry. His contribution to production design and art direction has been invaluable in shaping the visual aesthetics of numerous successful and memorable movies.