Nitin Desai death: Maharashtra MLA reveals the suicide is linked to financial strain

Maharashtra MLA Mahesh Baldiwatch has claimed that Nitin Desai, a well-known art director and production designer in Bollywood, was under financial stress and hence had attempted suicide. Desai was rushed to a hospital in Thane after he allegedly consumed poison at his farmhouse in Karjat.

Baldiwatch, who is also the president of the Film City Development Corporation, said that Desai had been facing difficulties in repaying loans taken for his ND Studios, which he had set up in Karjat in 2005. The studio had hosted several film and TV shoots, including Jodhaa Akbar, Slumdog Millionaire, Bigg Boss and Kaun Banega Crorepati.

Maharashtra MLA Mahesh Baldi said, "He was under financial stress and this could be the only reason for suicide."

Somnath Gharge, the police superintendent in Raigad, announced, "We have found the body of art director Nitin Desai hanging in his studio in Karjat. Police were informed about this by a worker on the set. When the police team reached the studio we saw his body hanging. We are investigating the case further for ascertaining all the aspects in this case.”

Desai worked as the production designer and art director for several Bollywood and Marathi films including Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Lagaan, Jodha Akbar, to mention a few. He was also well-known for designing the pandal for Mumbai's Lalbaugcha Raja during the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.