Nitin Desai death: CM Eknath Shinde, Kangana Ranaut, mourn Lagaan Art Director's demise

The tragic death of famous art director Nitin Desai has sent shockwaves in the industry. Desai’s work had admirers in the political world as well. One of his admirers was Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde.

Posting on his Twitter page, CM Shinde expressed his condolences upon the passing away of famous film art director who allegedly died by suicide earlier today. He tweeted, “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."

2 things we must know:

• Nitin Desai was found dead at ND studios in Karjat, a place he had founded in 2005.
• Nitin Desai had made his debut with the Oscar-nominated film Salaam Bombay, and worked on more than 70 films in his career

"We are postponing OMG2 trailer launch, as a sign of respect to Desai"

Additionally, many other film personalities from Bollywood took to social media to express their grief over the passing away of Desai, who had been an industry veteran for over 30 years. He had worked on iconic films like Lagaan, Devdas, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, and Parinda among others. 

(Akshay Kumar announced the postponing of OMG2 trailer | Twitter/Akshay Kumar)

Expressing his admiration of Desai’s work, Akshay Kumar tweeted, “He was a stalwart in production design and such a big part of our cinema fraternity.” Akshay Kumar also announced that OMG2 makers would be launching their trailer tomorrow, instead of today, as a way to show their respect to Desai. 

"Monumental contribution to Indian Cinema"

Kangana Ranaut took to Instagram Stories and wrote: "Such a terrible news!! Beyond shocked..pained beyond words..Om Shanti."

Sanjay Dutt, who had starred in many films which Desai had worked on like Munna Bhai MBBS, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, and Mission Kashmir among others, extended his condolences to Desai’s family. He tweeted, “A brilliant art director and a good friend, his contribution to Indian cinema has been monumental. My thoughts ae with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Manoj Bajpayee also took to twitter to express his condolences on Desai’s demise. He tweeted, “Will take some time to process this! A great artiste and lovely friend! Why Nitin? Why?”

Besides, Bollywood celebrities like Parineeti Chopra, Madhur Bhandarkar and Neil Nitin Mukesh among others also posted on their social media pages, expressing their condolences to Desai’s family.