Nitin Chandrakant Desai, a revered art director in Bollywood, received a heartfelt tribute during the Oscars’ ‘In Memoriam’ segment, alongside Tina Turner, Matthew Perry, and others. The Oscars 2024 took place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo Bocelli performed ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ during the segment. The Academy shared a video from the ceremony on Instagram, featuring the performance.
Besides Nitin Desai, the segment honored notable figures like directors William Friedkin and Norman Jewison, as well as actors John Bailey, Robbie Robertson, and others. Desai was renowned for his innovative studio designs and collaborations with filmmakers such as Ashutosh Gowarikar, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. His work in films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (2000), Lagaan (2002), and others garnered much acclaim.
He earned multiple awards, including three Filmfare Awards and four National Film Awards for Best Art Direction. His passing on August 2, 2023, was deeply mourned by the film industry and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, among others. Desai was found deceased at his studio in Karjat, Maharashtra, marking a significant loss in the film community.