Our Bureau
Los Angeles, CA
Renowned production director Nitin Desai, was among the film personalities, who were honored in the ‘In Memoriam’ segment at the 96th Academy Awards. He created sets for blockbuster movies such as the Oscar-nominated ‘Lagaan’ and ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’. The awards were held at Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles, US on Sunday, March 10.
Since 1929, the Academy Awards, or the Oscars have recognized excellence in cinematic achievements. Also, every year, the Academy Awards pay a tribute to industry legends who passed away in the last 1 year in its ‘In Memoriam’ montage.
Desai, 57, was found hanging at his studio in Karjat near Mumbai on August 2, 2023. He was also known for his art work in films such as ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ and ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’ as well as the popular TV quiz show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’.
During his career spanning 30 years, Desai worked with directors like Ashutosh Gowarikar, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. In 2002, he turned film producer with Chandrakant Productions’ ‘Desh Devi’, a devotional film on the Devi Mata of Kutch. In 2005, he opened his ND Studios spread over 52 acres at Karjat, near Mumbai, which has since hosted movies like ‘Jodha Akbar’, ‘Traffic Signal’ and also Color’s reality show ‘Bigg Boss’.
The ‘In Memoriam’ segment opened with a tribute to Alexei Navalny, Russia’s opposition leader, who died last month. A documentary about Navalny won the Oscar for feature documentary at last year’s ceremony. Italian music icon Andrea Bocelli performed a new version of his signature single ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ with his son Matteo Bocelli for the segment.
In its 2021 edition, the Oscars featured actor Irrfan Khan and Oscar-winning costume designer Bhanu Athaiya in its tributes section, while Bollywood stars Rishi Kapoor and Sushant Singh Rajput found mention on the official website of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
