On Friday, Aamir Khan and Ashutosh Gowariker came together to bid their last farewell to the late art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai. The solemn occasion took place during Nitin's funeral in Karjat.
The trio had previously collaborated on the acclaimed movie Lagaan, which even received an Oscar nomination. Nitin, who tragically passed away on Wednesday in an apparent suicide, was laid to rest at his ND Studios. The cremation ceremony was attended by a gathering of friends, colleagues, and family members.
Renowned art director Nitin Desai, celebrated for his significant contributions to the world of Hindi cinema, was found dead at his ND Studio in Karjat. With a remarkable career spanning more than three decades, he was a four-time National Award winner for Best Art Direction.
According to multiple reports, Desai had defaulted on a Rs 252 crore loan to its financial creditor, and a bankruptcy court had admitted an insolvency petition against his company last week. Desai's company, ND's Art World Pvt Ltd, had borrowed Rs 185 crore (Rs 1.85 billion) through two loans from ECL Finance in 2016 and 2018, and troubles with repayments started in January 2020.
The tragic event occurred at his ND Studio in Karjat on Wednesday morning. Initial reports strongly suggest the possibility of suicide, although additional information regarding the cause of death remains pending.
Nitin Desai Found Dead:
Throughout his illustrious two-decade career in Bollywood, Desai collaborated with acclaimed directors such as Ashutosh Gowarikar, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. His impressive portfolio includes iconic films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Jodha Akbar, Lagaan, Once Upon a Time in Mumbai, and Bajirao Mastani, among others. Notably, his final artistic endeavour was in collaboration with Ashutosh Gowarikar on the 2019 film Panipat.
Nitin Desai, in addition to his remarkable art direction career, ventured into film production in 2003 with the movie Desh Devi Maa Ashapura. He further showcased his versatility by producing the immensely popular Marathi television series, Raja Shivchhatrapati.
In 2005, he established ND Studios in Karjat, located on the outskirts of Mumbai. This sprawling 52-acre studio has served as a hub for numerous film productions, notably the iconic set for Jodha Akbar. Beyond his creative roles, he also stepped into the realm of direction, helming projects such as Hello Jai Hind! (2011) and Ajintha (2012).
Nitin Desai's exceptional contributions earned him recognition from esteemed institutions, including the Art Directors’ Guild Film Society and the American Cinematheque in Hollywood.
Bollywood Stars Condole Nitin Desai’s Death
Riteish Deshmukh expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Nitin Desai, acknowledging their years of acquaintance. He described Desai as a soft-spoken, humble, ambitious visionary and lamented his passing, saying he would be missed.
Parineeti Chopra shared her sorrow upon learning of Desai's demise. She remembered him for his pioneering contributions, wisdom, and artistic prowess that will endure in memory.
Heartbreaking to hear about Nitin sir. #NitinDesai. His groundbreaking work, wisdom and artistry will be remembered forever. Rest in peace sir.
See more tributes here.
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