The Indian movie business has misplaced certainly one of its most celebrated behind-the-scenes artists. Vikram Gaikwad, a legendary make-up artist who labored throughout Hindi, Marathi, and South Indian cinema, handed away in Mumbai on Might 10, 2025. He was 65.
Recognized for his distinctive means to rework actors into highly effective characters, Vikram Gaikwad’s work usually performed an important function in shaping the visible storytelling of a few of Indian cinema’s most iconic movies. From Dangal and PK to Sanju and Uri: The Surgical Strike, Gaikwad’s artistry introduced each fictional and real-life characters to life on display screen with outstanding realism.
His dying was confirmed by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who paid tribute to Gaikwad on social media. Calling him “a magician who introduced characters to life on the silver display screen,” Shinde stated that Gaikwad’s passing is “an irreparable loss to the world of cinema and artwork.” The veteran artist’s remaining rites have been scheduled to happen at 4:30 PM on the identical day on the Shivaji Park Crematorium in Dadar, Mumbai. The reason for his dying has not but been disclosed.
Vikram Gaikwad’s journey in cinema started with the critically acclaimed movie Sardar. Over time, he went on to win the Nationwide Movie Award for Finest Make-up Artist seven instances—a formidable feat that displays his constant excellence and dedication to the craft. His signature type concerned mixing historic accuracy with inventive finesse, particularly in interval dramas and biopics.
In Hindi cinema, his contributions spanned a number of common and critically acclaimed movies. These included Panipat, Bell Backside, Blackmail, Tremendous 30, Kedarnath, Thugs of Hindostan, Omkara, Delhi-6, 3 Idiots, Kaminey, Ishqiya, and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Every undertaking stood out for the make-up work that subtly but powerfully helped outline the characters.
He was equally revered in Marathi cinema, the place he labored on historic dramas like Balgandharva, Ani… Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar, Lokmanya, Katyar Kaljat Ghusali, Fatteshikast, Pawankhind, and Sher Shivraj. His work additionally prolonged to theater, most notably within the iconic play Janata Raja, which depicted the lifetime of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Vikram Gaikwad’s passing marks the top of an period. He was not only a make-up artist however a silent storyteller, serving to audiences imagine within the characters and worlds created on display screen.
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