Late Bollywood Art Director Nitin Chandrakant Desai receives an emotional tribute at the 2024 Oscars
Tributes were paid to the late Bollywood art director Chandrakant Desai at the ‘In Memoriam’ section of the 96th Academy Awards, demonstrating the recognition of both his talent and impact.
Oscars 2024: Late Bollywood art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai received a touching reminder during the Oscars’ “In Memoriam” segment. The Dolby Theater in Hollywood, California hosted the 2024 Oscar ceremony on March 10, 2024 LA. The Indian film industry was shocked and saddened last year when the acclaimed art director and production designer passed away unexpectedly. He was known for his great work in films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, LagaanAnd Devdas, among other things. Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo Bocelli performed during the segment, singing “Time to Say Goodbye.” On Instagram, The Academy shared a video of the awards ceremony with the caption: “Andrea and Matteo Bocelli perform ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ 30th Anniversary Special Edition at the In Memoriam at the 2024 #Oscars.”
Bollywood Art Director Nitin Chandrakant Desai Honored at Oscars 2024
Besides Nitin Desai, other notable members of the international entertainment industry honored in the segment included actors John Bailey, Robbie Robertson, Richard Lewis, Lee Sun-Kyun, Carl Weathers, Matthew Perry and Andre Braugher. Directors William Friedkin and Norman Jewison were also honored.
Nitin Desai was known for creating stunning settings for a number of successful films. He received four National Film Awards and three Filmfare Awards for Best Art Direction. He has worked with several well-known film filmmakers including Rajkumar Hirani, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Ashutosh Gowariker and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. On August 2, 2023, the National Award-winning artist sadly passed away at the age of 57. As he was reportedly discovered hanging at his ND Studios in Karjat, his death was ruled a suicide. His demise was deeply felt in the film world, as evidenced by the eulogies offered by a slew of industry heavyweights, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. In Karjat, Maharashtra, Desai’s studio was discovered to be lifeless.