Nitin Chandrakant Desai

Actor

Date of birth:

Height:

Spouse:

Ajintha

(11 May 2012)

Director

Sound of Heaven

(6 May 2011)

Actor

Lokmanya Tilak

Daud

(13 Jul 1997)

Actor

Taxi driver (as Nitin Desai)

Rangeela

(9 Aug 1995)

Actor

(as Nitin Desai)

Awards

2003

Awards of the International Indian Film Academy
(Best Art Direction)

2003

Filmfare Awards
(Best Art Direction)

2003

National Film Awards, India
(Best Art Direction)

2002

Screen Weekly Awards
(Best Art Direction)

2001

Awards of the International Indian Film Academy
(Best Art Direction)

2001

Screen Weekly Awards
(Best Art Direction)

News

We have lost someone who was very talented: Aamir Khan remembers art director Nitin Desai

4 Aug 2023

Aamir Khan, who paid his last respect to veteran art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai on Friday expressed his grief.Earlier today, his mortal remains were brought to the ND Art World Studio Pvt Ltd studio.A host of celebrities visited ND studio to pay their last respects to him and extend condolences to the bereaved family.Among those who paid a visit to the art director's kin were actor Aamir Khan and filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker.During media interaction, Aamir said, This is very shocking news. I am unable to understand how did this happen. I can't believe it. I wish he had not done this and reached out for help instead. But what can we say in such a tragic situation, it is very difficult to understand what has happened. It is very sad. We have lost someone who was very talented."Director Madhur Bhandarkar who also paid their last tribute to Desai while talking to ANI said, It was very upsetting to see... It was a bond of years with Nitin Desai including four movies - Fashion, Jail, Indu Sarkar and Traffic Signal. I believe it was an untimely demise. He gave importance and status to art and art director. The industry has lost a huge talent. We will miss Nitin dada," said Film Director Madhur Bhandarkar on Nitin Desai's demise.Apart from them, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Manoj Joshi, Mukesh Rishi, Sonali Kulkarni, and others were also spotted.Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya also attended the last rites of Desai.Desai was found dead on Wednesday in his studio in Maharashtras Raigad district, police said on Wednesday. According to police Desais body was found hanging in his ND Studio in Karjat, some 80 km outside Mumbai. Maharashtra chief minister, Eknath Shinde and Deputy chief minister, Ajit Pawar also paid their last respects to Desai.CM Shinde and deputy CM Pawar visited Sir JJ Hospitals mortuary in Maharashtra's Mumbai, where Desai's body was kept.Desai, 57, worked as an art director in several big-budget films such as Devdas, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Jodhaa Akbar, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Once Upon A Time in Mumbai, and Panipat, among others. He was noted for his innovative studio design and had collaborated with filmmakers like as Ashutosh Gowarikar, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali.He had won three Filmfare Awards for Best Art Direction and four National Film Awards for Best Art Direction.

Nitin Desai funeral: Aamir Khan, Madhur Bhandarkar pay their last respects to late art director

4 Aug 2023

art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai left the nation in shock. The entire entertainment industry is mourning the demise of a four-time national award-winning art director.He was found dead on Wednesday in his studio in Maharashtras Raigad district, police said on Wednesday. According to police Desais body was found hanging in his ND Studio in Karjat, some 80 km outside Mumbai. Earlier today, his mortal remains were brought to the ND Art World Studio Pvt Ltd studio.A host of celebrities visited ND studio to pay their last respects to him and extend condolences to the bereaved family.Among those who paid a visit to the art director's kin were actor Aamir Khan, filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker and Madhur Bhandarkar paid their last tribute to Desai.Apart from them, Manoj Joshi, Mukesh Rishi, Sonali Kulkarni, and others were also spotted.Maharashtra chief minister, Eknath Shinde and Deputy chief minister, Ajit Pawar also paid their last respects to Desai.CM Shinde and deputy CM Pawar visited Sir JJ Hospitals mortuary in Maharashtra's Mumbai, where Desai's body was kept.After learning about the unfortunate news, Shinde expressed his condolences via a tweet as well. Veteran art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai passed away today. This is an unfortunate and shocking piece of news. The demise of Desai, who created a world of his own through his unique set designs in Marathi and Hindi films, is saddening. He had a special association with Tembhi Naka Devi (a popular temple in Maharashtra). He preserved and carried forward a tradition which started with Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Saheb. Navratri celebrations here came to unforgettable because of him (Desai). There was a lot of curiosity among the people to see his artworks. It pains me that such a nice and humble man, who also happened to be a good friend, is no more with us. Today is a very sad day for me and our film industry," Shinde wrote in Marathi.The preliminary findings in the postmortem revealed that the cause of death is hanging"Postmortem of art director Nitin Desai has been conducted by a team of four doctors. As per preliminary findings, the cause of death is due to hanging. Further investigation is underway," police said. On Thursday Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that all possible angles will be investigated in the Art Director Nitin Desais death case.While replying to a question in the Maharashtra state assembly, Devendra Fadnavis said," We will investigate all angles angle whether was he was pressurised. We will see if any things can be done for him as far as the studio is concerned. At present cant make any announcement on it. We will also investigate the people whom he used to meet too."Desai, 57, worked as an art director in several big-budget films such as Devdas, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Jodhaa Akbar, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Once Upon A Time in Mumbai, and Panipat, among others. He was noted for his innovative studio design and had collaborated with filmmakers like as Ashutosh Gowarikar, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali.He had won three Filmfare Awards for Best Art Direction and four National Film Awards for Best Art Direction.

Neil Nitin Mukesh, Ashoke Pandit pay their last tribute to art director Nitin Desai

2 Aug 2023

Nitin Chandrakant Desai has left the entertainment industry in shock. Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh in his last tribute called him a "legend" and said it is difficult to find a person like him today.In an exclusive conversation with ANI, he shared his memory of him.Neil told ANI, This is the most painful news I got this morning. I have given him the status of my father. I used to give him a lot of respect and loved him a lot. He not only recognizes artists but people also. I worked with him on a number of projects. I was working in the ND Studio while shooting for Madhur Bhandarkars Jail. Then did Indu Sarkar in ND Studio. The way he did Prem Ratan Dhan Payo on such a large scale, we even remember him today for it and always praise him. He was a legend. I am upset and sad with the way he has gone. A huge number of fans must be upset with his passing away.He further shared a memory associated with him and added, I have beautiful memories with him. When I was directing my first advertisement, I asked him for help and he said that there is no point in saying no. So, getting a person like him today is really difficult and very few people like him are born. I just pray to God to give strength to his family and I really want to meet them all. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit also remembered the late art director. He spoke about his contribution to the film industry. He added, Its really shocking for the entire film and TV industry that we have lost such an iconic art director Nitin Desai Sahab. We could never imagine that we will lose Nitin Desai ji like this. A person who was respected by everybody in the industry. A man who created huge sets and huge visuals Whenever any director or any maker or any producer was imagining something big to be done that big was not successful till the time he didnt involve Nitin Desai Sahab. It is a great tragedy. Its a great loss for the industry and we are all really shocked. We are all pained by the loss of a great friend of ours, an iconic maker, director, art director and a great human being. The industry is really sad. On behalf of the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPAA) and the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association (IFTDA), we send condolence to the family and to the entire industry. Its really a great loss. A man with a vision is no more with us.According to police Desais body was found hanging in his ND Studio in Karjat, some 80 km outside Mumbai. Desai worked as an art director in several big-budget films such as Devdas, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Jodhaa Akbar, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Once Upon A Time in Mumbai, and Panipat, among others.

Nitin Desai's last rites to take place at ND Studios, body sent for postmortem

2 Aug 2023

Nitin Chandrakant Desai was found dead in his studio in Maharashtras Raigad district and police are still doing the investigation. As per the latest update, his body has been sent for postmortem to JJ Hospital, according to Raigad Superintendent of Police (SP) Somnath Gharge.He informed the media that his last rites will be performed at ND Studios. Gharge said, This morning Shri Nitin Desai's dead body was found in ND Studios. The complaint of his sudden death has been filed at Khalapur Police Station. We are doing the investigation. His family members have told us that his last rites will take place at ND Studios. His body has been taken for postmortem to JJ Hospital. Whatever devices we have found at the location including mobile phones and other stuff and electronic devices have been ceased and we are investigating them. We have also taken the statement of his caretaker and driver and doing the investigations.According to police Desais body was found hanging in his ND studio in Karjat, some 80 km outside Mumbai."Police were informed by a worker on the set. When the police team reached the studio we saw his body hanging. We are investigating the case further for ascertaining all the aspects in this case," Raigad Superintendent of Police (SP) Somnath Gharge said.Desai worked as an art director in several big-budget films such as Devdas, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Jodhaa Akbar, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Once Upon A Time in Mumbai, and Panipat, among others.

A very sad day for me, industry: CM Shinde pays homage to art director Nitin Desai

2 Aug 2023

Taking to Twitter, CM Shinde wrote in Marathi, Veteran art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai passed away today. This is an unfortunate and a shocking piece of news. The demise of Desai, who created a world of his own through his unique set designs in Maathi and Hindi films, is saddening. He had a special association with Tembhi Naka Devi (a popular temple in Maharashtra). He preserved and carried forward a tradition which started with Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Saheb. Navratri celebrations here came to unforgettable because of him (Desai). There was a lot of curiosity among the people to see his art works. It pains me that such a nice and humble man, who also happened to be a good friend, is no more with us. Today is a very sad day for me and our film industry." . ., . Eknath Shinde - (@mieknathshinde) August 2, 2023"Police were informed by a worker on the set. When a police team reached the studio, we found him hanging. An investigation is underway to ascertain all facts and aspects of the case," Raigad Superintendent of Police (SP) Somnath Gharge said.Maharashtra MLA Mahesh Baldi said the celebrated art director behind 'Lagaan' was under financial strain."He was under financial stress, which may have driven him to end his life," Baldi said.Desai worked as an art director in several big-budget films such as Devdas, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Jodhaa Akbar, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Once Upon A Time in Mumbai, and Panipat, among others.

Maharashtra: Bollywood art director Nitin Desai found dead in Raigad studio, police suspect suicide

2 Aug 2023

Bollywood art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai was found dead in his studio in Maharashtras Raigad district, police said on Wednesday.According to police Desais body was found hanging in his ND studio in Karjat, some 80 km outside Mumbai."Police were informed by a worker on the set. When police team reached the studio we saw his body hanging. We are investigating the case further for ascertaining all the aspects in this case," Raigad Superintendent of Police (SP) Somnath Gharge said.Maharashtra MLA Mahesh Baldi said that 'Lagaan' art director was under financial strain. "He was under financial stress and this could be the reason for suicide," Baldi said.Desai was noted for his innovative studio design and had collaborated with filmmakers like as Ashutosh Gowarikar, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali.He was famed for his work in movies like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (2000), Lagaan (2002), and Devdas (2003), Jodhaa Akbar (2008) and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015). He had won three Filmfare Awards for Best Art Direction and four National Film Awards for Best Art Direction.

Gurmeet Choudhary to headline web series 'Maharana'

15 Feb 2023

Excited about the project, Gurmeet said, "It's an honour to work on a project that is connected to the roots of India. Maharana Pratap was known for his courage and bravery, I am very happy to get a chance to know more about his life. It is also a challenge to portray a strong character like Maharana Pratap himself. I am thankful to Disney+ Hotstar and Nitin Chandrakant Desai for giving me this project."View this post on InstagramA post shared by Gurmeet Choudhary (@guruchoudhary)Giving more details about the project, showrunner, Nitin Chandrakant Desai, said, "With Maharana, we aim to bring to audiences interesting aspects of India history. We had a massive vision with this period drama in terms of the look, tone and feel of the series, and we are elated that we are able to turn this vision into reality. Working on a period drama is always challenging and interesting at the same time. It involves a great deal of research and eye for detailing in order to depict the facts with authenticity. We are extremely excited to begin filming this show."'Maharana' will exclusively stream on Disney+ Hotstar. Produced by Trimitik Production Pvt Ltd and Nitin Chandrakant Desai, 'Maharana' is currently in the production stage.

New period drama 'Maharana' announced on Republic Day

26 Jan 2023

Giving more details about the project, showrunner, Nitin Chandrakant Desai, said, "With Maharana, we aim to bring to audiences interesting aspects of India history. We had a massive vision with this period drama in terms of the look, tone and feel of the series, and we are elated that we are able to turn this vision into reality. Working on a period drama is always challenging and interesting at the same time. It involves a great deal of research and eye for detailing in order to depict the facts with authenticity. We are extremely excited to begin filming this show."'Maharana' will exclusively stream on Disney+ Hotstar. Produced by Trimitik Production Pvt Ltd and Nitin Chandrakant Desai, 'Maharana' is currently in the production stage.Details regarding the cast are awaited.

Vidhu Vinod Chopras Broken Horses to go on floors in October

30 Aug 2012

Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s ambitious English project Broken Horses is all set to go on floors in October this year. Chopra and his team including noted art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai will be travelling to Los Angeles in September for a recce before they commence shooting from October in USA.

The cast of Broken Horses comprises of mostly foreign actors while the screenplay has been jointly written by Abhijat Joshi along with Vidhu Vinod Chopra himself.