New Delhi: Noted art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai was found dead on Wednesday at his studio in Maharashtra's Raigad district. Nitin, who was found hanging at his studio, had reportedly 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. Bollywood celebrities paid tribute to the art director and called him a "genius" and a "positive soul".
Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker said he is in shock after learning about the death of Nitin Desai, who worked with him on the sets of his magnum opuses ‘Lagaan’ and ‘Jodhaa Akbar’. “Stunned. Shocked. No words. On the way to ND Studios, Karjat,” he told IANS.
Siddhartha Basu, who worked with Desai on "Kaun Banega Crorepati" and "Dus Ka Dum", said he was shocked to hear about the passing of his "friend and artistic collaborator".
He tweeted, “Shocked & saddened to hear about the passing of friend & artistic collaborator, Nitin Desai. He made sets for so many of our shows - KBC, Kamzor Kadi, Heartbeat, Bluffmaster Dus ka Dum, Sach ka Saamna.. Conjuring world class installations on an industrial scale. Om shanti.”
Director Vivek Agnihotri tweeted, “I am heartbroken and sad beyond control to learn about my dearest friend Nitin Desai’s death. A legendary Production designer, a visionary who made ND Studio… Nitin not only loved Pallavi and I, he always guided me even in films we didn’t do together. Why Nitin, why? ॐ शांति।”
Kangana Ranaut took to Instagram story to condole the demise of the art director. She wrote, “Terrible News!! Beyond shocked...pained beyond words....Om Shanti.”
Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh said it is difficult to accept the heartbreaking news of Desai's death. The late art director worked on "Jail", the 2009 film starring the actor.
" Cannot accept the heartbreaking news . Our beloved #nitindesai has left for his heavenly abode . He was simply a genius. A visionary artist with grace,style who understood not just his craft but people. He was a positive soul who spread only love to all . My God give his family strength . Om Shanti,” he wrote on Twitter.
Actor Parineeti Chopra wrote, “Heartbreaking to hear about Nitin sir. #NitinDesai. His groundbreaking work, wisdom and artistry will be remembered forever. Rest in peace sir.”
Actor Riteish Deshmukh remembered Desai as a soft-spoken visionary. “Deeply shocked to know that #NitinDesai, a legendary Production Designer who has contributed immensely to the growth of Indian cinema in no more. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. I had known him for years.. soft spoken, humble, ambitious & a visionary… you will be missed my friend. Om Shanti,” he tweeted.
The news of Desai's demise is "devastating", said filmmaker Sanjay Gupta.
"I can't believe this news. Nitin Desai was the best at what he did. We worked on a few films together. Always smiling, always making life easier on set. This news is devastating. Rest In Peace my friend. You will always be missed," Gupta tweeted.
Desai was known for his art work in films such as "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam", "Lagaan", "Jodhaa Akbar" and "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo". In his career spanning over 30 years, Desai closely worked with directors like Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Rajkumar Hirani, and Ashutosh Gowariker.