Mumbai. The last rites of National Award-winning art director Nitin Desai were performed at his studio in Karjat on Friday in the presence of family and colleagues. The last rites were performed by his son. Desai is known for designing sets for films like ‘Lagaan’, ‘Jodha Akbar’, ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ and popular TV quiz show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’. He was found dead on Wednesday morning in the premises of his studio at Karjat in Raigad district, he was 57 years old.
Film actor Aamir Khan, filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, Sonali Kulkarni, Madhur Bhandarkar, Marathi actor Subodh Bhave among others reached ND Studio to pay their last respects. Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar said he was disappointed by Desai’s passing, adding that he believed his work would always be remembered.
video | Mortal remains of art director Nitin Desai consigned to flames. pic.twitter.com/kJ9geuS8nN
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 4, 2023
The filmmaker, who worked with Desai in films like ‘Traffic Signal’, ‘Fashion’, ‘Jail’ and ‘Indu Sarkar’, told PTI, “It was very sad. It is unfortunate that he is not with us. I can’t believe this news. It was shocking. He always supported all types of films big, small, regional. He will always be remembered for his wonderful work.
Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar reached JJ Hospital in South Mumbai to pay tribute to Desai. His post-mortem was done in the same hospital. Raigarh Superintendent of Police Somnath Gharge said that according to the post-mortem report, he died due to hanging.
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Desai’s body, which was kept in the hospital, was handed over to his relatives on Friday from where it was taken to ND Studio for the last rites. Desai’s company could not repay Rs 252 crore taken from lenders. Subsequently, the Mumbai branch of the National Company Law Tribunal initiated insolvency proceedings against the company. (agency)
