Mumbai: Legendary makeup artist Vikram Gaikwad, a seven-time National Award winner, passed away on Saturday in Mumbai, leaving behind a monumental legacy in Indian cinema. Known for his transformative work in Hindi, Marathi, and Bengali films, Gaikwad’s passing has left the artistic community mourning a profound loss.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde paid a heartfelt tribute, referring to Gaikwad as a “magician who brought characters to life on the silver screen.” Shinde acknowledged Gaikwad’s significant contributions, emphasizing that his work would forever be remembered in the history of Indian cinema.
रुपेरी पडद्यावर व्यक्तिरेखा जिवंत करणारा जादुगार हरपला!
— Eknath Shinde – एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) May 10, 2025
राष्ट्रीय पुरस्कार विजेते सुप्रसिद्ध रंगभूषाकार विक्रम गायकवाड यांचे आज दुःखद निधन झालं. त्यांच्या जाण्याने रंगभूषेतून पडद्यावर व्यक्तिरेखा जिवंत करणारा एक जादुगार आपल्यातून निघून गेला आहे.
रंगभूषाकार म्हणून 'सरदार' या…
BJP leader Ashish Shelar also expressed his condolences, acknowledging the vast influence Gaikwad had on the film industry, particularly for his stunning ability to craft realistic and memorable makeup for historical and iconic figures.
Gaikwad’s remarkable career spanned multiple decades, with his iconic work appearing in numerous Bollywood blockbusters, including Sardar, Thugs of Hindostan, Panipat, Uri: The Surgical Strike, Dangal, PK, and Bell Bottom. His contributions were equally significant in Marathi cinema, where he elevated historical dramas such as Balgandharva, Kashinath Ghanekar, Lokmanya, and Fatteshikast. His most iconic makeup work can be seen in the stage play Jaanta Raja, based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which continues to be remembered for its artistic brilliance.
Gaikwad first won the National Award for Best Makeup Artist in 2013 for his work on a Bengali film and went on to win the prestigious award seven times. His meticulous attention to detail and ability to transform actors into their historical counterparts made him a pivotal figure in shaping Indian cinema’s visual storytelling.
According to reports, Gaikwad’s last rites will be conducted today at 4:30 PM at Shivaji Park Crematorium in Dadar. His unparalleled contributions to the art of makeup will continue to inspire future generations of artists in the industry.
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