Respected for his transformative artistry in Indian cinema, veteran makeup artist Vikram Gaikwad died on Saturday in Mumbai at the age of 61. The death of Gaikwad, who is renowned for creating some of the most recognisable on-screen looks, signifies the end of a chapter in the history of movie makeup.
In a heartfelt tribute shared via Aamir Khan Productions’ Instagram page, actor Aamir Khan mourned the loss of the celebrated artist, reflecting on their collaboration across multiple acclaimed films. “It is with profound sorrow that we bid farewell to Vikram Gaikwad, a master of his craft. I had the privilege of working with him on Dangal, PK, and Rang De Basanti, among others,” the message read.
“His makeup artistry brought life and authenticity to characters who will be remembered forever. Heartfelt condolences to his family from all of us at AKP. We will miss you, Dada.” It added.
Three days earlier, the artist had been admitted to Powai's Hiranandani Hospital for blood pressure-related issues. His health was stable at first, but it abruptly declined.
“He was quite well when he was admitted. We were not expecting that he would pass away so soon” said his younger brother, Dr Prasanna Paranjpe to PTI. “His BP was going low, and we were not able to revive him.”
Bengali, Marathi, Hindi, and South Indian films were all influenced by Gaikwad. Films like Sanju, 83, Shakuntala Devi, Omkara, 3 Idiots, Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, Ponniyin Selvan, and O Kadhal Kanmani all featured his painstaking work.
Gaikwad, a two-time National Film Award winner, took home the Best Makeup Artist honour in 2012 for The Dirty Picture and again in 2014 for the Bengali film Jaatishwar. His efforts were crucial in making biographical and historical figures come to life on screen.
Members of the film industry are anticipated to pay their last respects to the artist whose work subtly influenced cinematic history at Vikram Gaikwad's funeral, which will take place at Shivaji Park Crematorium in Dadar.
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