EXCLUSIVE: Ashutosh Gowariker reacts to Lagaan art director Nitin Desai’s death by suicide

Wednesday morning began on a shocking note for the Indian film industry with the news of the death of renowned art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai by suicide. He had been associated with many memorable and iconic films throughout his career, including many with Ashutosh Gowariker. The filmmaker and Nitin worked together on Lagaan and Jodhaa Akbar and Bollywood Bubble reached out to Ashutosh for his reaction on the shocking news.

Ashutosh Gowariker reacts to Nitin Desai suicide

Nitin Desai allegedly died by suicide at ND Studios in Khalapur near Karjat. The death occurred just a week before his 58th birthday on August 9, 2023. When Bollywood Bubble reached out to Ashutosh for his reaction, the filmmaker was on his way to Karjat. He said, “Stunned. Shocked. No words. On the way to ND Studios, Karjat.” Ashutosh and Desai have had a long standing working relationship. They worked together on Lagaan, Jodhaa Akbar, What’s Your Rashee?, Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey and Panipat. The latter marked Desai’s last film project as well.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nitin Chandrakant Desai (@nitinchandrakantdesai)

Nitin Desai career

Further details are yet to be shared by the police officials. Meanwhile, Desai’s last Instagram post was to celebrate 29 years of Anil Kapoor and Manisha Koirala starrer 1942: A Love Story. It was his second film as an art director. Apart from it, he had been associated to films like Khamoshi: The Musical, Maachis, Ishq, Pyar To Hona Hi Tha, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Josh, Munnabhai MBBS and many more. His last film was Ashutosh’s Panipat.

He also acquired many accolades for his work through his career. It included 4 National Film Awards for Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in 1999, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam in 2000, Lagaan in 2002 and for Devdas in 2003. Here’s wishing condolences to his friends and family.

Also Read: Devdas, Bajirao Mastani, and Lagaan’s art director Nitin Desai dies by suicide