In the heart of New Delhi, the eminent production maestro Nitin Desai, acknowledged for crafting awe-inspiring sets for cinematic gems like the Oscar-nominated “Lagaan” and “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam,” was posthumously acknowledged during the 96th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, United States this past Sunday.

Tragically discovered lifeless at his studio in Karjat, proximate to Mumbai, in August of the preceding year, Nitin Desai was commemorated in the ‘In Memoriam’ segment—an homage to industry luminaries who departed in the last twelve months.

His artistic imprints also graced the celluloid canvases of “Jodhaa Akbar” and “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo,” as well as the television quiz spectacle “Kaun Banega Crorepati.”

Spanning two decades, Nitin Desai forged artistic alliances with venerable directors such as Ashutosh Gowariker, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. His superlative contributions merited him the esteemed National Film Award for Best Art Direction on four occasions, accompanied by the Filmfare Award for Best Art Direction, clinched thrice.

In 2005, Nitin Desai laid the foundation for ND Studios, an extensive 52-acre expanse nestled in Karjat, proximal to Mumbai. This cinematic sanctuary played host to distinguished productions like “Jodha Akbar” and “Traffic Signal,” in addition to being the backdrop for Colors’ acclaimed reality spectacle, Bigg Boss. With Nitin’s untimely demise, the cinematic realm mourns the loss of an ingenious artisan.