'True master of his craft': Aamir Khan, Varun Dhawan mourn demise of make-up artist Vikram Gaikwad

Vikram Gaikwad

The Indian film industry has lost one of its most gifted behind-the-scenes craftsmen as renowned makeup artist Vikram Gaikwad passed away in Mumbai on Saturday. Widely respected for his transformative work in cinema, Gaikwad was a recipient of the National Film Award for Best Makeup Artist on seven occasions. He was 65.

He was hospitalised at Hiranandani Hospital in Powai three days ago due to BP issues. He passed away on Saturday at around 8:30 am. "He was quite well when he was admitted. We were not expecting that he would pass away so soon," Dr Prasanna Paranjpe, Gaikwad's younger brother, told PTI.

Gaikwad's funeral took place at 4:30 pm on Saturday at the Shivaji Park Crematorium in Dadar.

Bollywood tribute to Vikram Gaikwad

Aamir Khan took to social media and paid heartfelt tribute to the talented artist.

Aamir wrote, "It is with great sorrow that we say goodbye to the legendary make-up artist Vikram Gaikwad. I had the pleasure of working with him in films like Dangal, PK and Rang De Basanti, to name a few. He was a true master of his craft, and his work transformed many actors into unforgettable characters that will live forever on screen."

He concluded, "Heartfelt condolences to the family from me, and everyone at AKP (folded hands emoji). We will miss you Dada (red heart emoji)."

Ranveer wrote, "Dada (dove, nazar amulet, infinity symbol, folded hands and breaking heart emojis)."

Varun Dhawan took to his Instagram stories and wrote, "I had the pleasure to work with Vikram Gaikwad sir in Badlapur. He helped me design my every detail. A true magician who pushed Indian cinema ahead. Thank u dada Om Shanti".

Maha Dy CM Eknath Shinde expresses grief

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed deep sorrow over Gaikwad's passing. In a heartfelt message posted on social media, Shinde described Gaikwad as "a magician who brought characters to life on the silver screen."

He emphasised that Gaikwad's work was instrumental in shaping the visual legacy of Indian cinema, particularly in historical and biographical films.

"The magician who brought characters to life on the silver screen has disappeared!" wrote Shinde.

"His ability to transform actors and bring fictional and real-life personalities to the screen was nothing short of extraordinary. His passing is an irreparable loss to the world of cinema and art," he wrote on X.

More about Vikram Gaikwad

Gaikwad began his illustrious career with the film 'Sardar' and went on to become a transformative force in makeup artistry for both Bollywood and regional cinema. His extensive credits include major Hindi films such as 'Uri: The Surgical Strike', 'Dangal', 'PK', 'Omkara', 'Delhi-6', '3 Idiots', 'Kaminey', 'Ishqiya', and 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag', among others. He was equally revered in Marathi cinema for his work on historical films like 'Lokmanya', 'Fatteshikast,' and 'Sher Shivraj'.