From sketching in school to designing the multi-set for Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), this man has surely come a long way—a path untrodden by any artiste before. Nitin Desai, artist and art director is in the city on a shoot and shares his journey on his work post Slumdog.

Part of the historic film, Nitin says, “Slumdog Millionare is a special project in many ways. The film gave a chance to Indian artistes and technicians to portray their work. It also proves that we do not lag technically and great work is being churned out in the country. Just the way Resul Pookutty’s sound mixing got recognition.”

Regaling over the success of the film at Oscars, Nitin reveals his association with the film, “I designed the set for the contest scene in the film. This was originally the set which I had set up for KBC, eight years ago. It was the first hydraulic set in the world where the central podium got lifted. The concept was well taken and I was offered the contract when the film went on floor. We had dismantled the set after KBC wound up. It was revived again for Slumdog, albeit with a lot of technical changes.”

Owner of Asia’s biggest production studio, Nitin’s foray into art direction ranges from designing sets for TV shows, contests, serials to mega film projects like Jodha Akbar, Lagaan, Swades, Devdas, Hum dil de chuke sanam and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar et al.

Four times winner of the national award for art direction says, “When Danny Boyle saw the sets of Jodha Akbar in my studio, he instantly decided to rope me in. The scenes depicting the interiors of Taj Mahal were shot in my studio. A large part of the film was done here. The shooting went on for three weeks in my premises.” 

The master creator is in awe of Danny Boyle. “Danny is an amazing director and technician, who knows his job well. Above all, he is a great human being.”

Ask him, if there are more international projects in store and Nitin confirms, “Yes. Michael Douglas has approached me. And on the home turf, Jail, Whats your Rashee?, Sapnon ko ginate ginate, Back to the future and Film city are a few prestigious projects I am working on.”

He adds, “I love Pune. It is like my maher ghar (mother’s place). The city’s umpteen locations are ideal for shooting. My serial on Shivaji is extensively shot here.”

Touted as a workaholic by his associates and rated as a rare talent, Nitin retorts, “I wish there were more than 24 hours in a day to do justice to my potential.”

When Danny Boyle saw the sets of Jodha Akbar in my studio, he instantly decided to rope me in -

Nitin Desai

Surhuda Kulkarni/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication