Nitin Chandrakant Desai, a renowned art director and production designer, known for his work in iconic Bollywood films like ‘Lagaan,’ ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam,’ and ‘Devdas,’ has tragically died by suicide. He was 58 years old at the time of his passing. Desai’s career spanned over two decades, during which he made significant contributions to the Indian film industry with his exceptional art direction and set designs.
Unfortunate Passing
Nitin Chandrakant Desai ended his life at his own studio, ND Studios, located in Karjat. The incident occurred in the early hours of August 2. His body was discovered by workers at the studio. Desai’s untimely demise has left the industry and his admirers in shock.
Career Highlights
Throughout his illustrious career, Nitin Desai collaborated with renowned filmmakers like Ashutosh Gowarikar, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He was responsible for creating memorable sets in Bollywood classics such as ‘1942: A Love Story,’ ‘Devdas’ (2002), ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’ (2006), and ‘Once Upon a Time in Mumbai’ (2010), among others. He was also associated with the set designs for the Oscar-winning film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ (2008). Desai’s artistic talent earned him several National Awards for Best Art Direction, including his work on ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam,’ ‘Lagaan,’ and ‘Devdas.’
Legacy and Contributions
In 2005, Nitin Desai established ND Studios, a sprawling 52-acre facility in Karjat. This studio played host to numerous film productions and even reality shows like ‘Bigg Boss.’ Desai also ventured into acting and directing, having appeared in movies like ‘Daud’ and the Marathi film ‘Hello Jai Hind!,’ which he also directed. He continued to contribute actively to the industry, working on various projects and even designing decorations for festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi.
The passing of Nitin Chandrakant Desai is a tragic loss for the Indian film industry. His remarkable creativity and contributions have left an indelible mark on Bollywood. The news of his death has left fans, colleagues, and admirers mourning the loss of a talented artist who played a pivotal role in shaping the visual aesthetics of Indian cinema.
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