Bollywood was exposed to another shocking news yet again as Nishikant Kamat, the celebrated director of films like ‘Mumbai Meri Jaan’, ‘Drishyam’, ‘Force’ and so on lost his life to liver cirrhosis. He was only 50 years of age.
A lesser-known fact about the director is that he also acted in films like ‘ Hava Aney Dey’, ‘Saatchya Aat Gharat’ and also played the role of the antagonist in his own directorial titled, ‘Rocky Handsome’ starring John Abraham. At the news of his unexpected demise, Bollywood came together to bid Kamat a final goodbye while expressing how much the director meant to them all via social media.
Ajay Devgn, who had worked with Nishikant in the popular film ‘Drishyam’ took to Twitter to express his sorrow over the loss.
My equation with Nishikant was not just about Drishyam, a film which he directed with Tabu and me. It was an association that I cherished. He was bright; ever-smiling. He has gone too soon.
RIP Nishikant 🙏— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) August 17, 2020
John Abraham who starred in films like ‘Rocky Handsome’ and ‘Force’ mentioned that he won’t be able to get over the news.
Will not get over this …. Rest In Peace #NishikantKamat pic.twitter.com/7uZcaJIOFO
— John Abraham (@TheJohnAbraham) August 17, 2020
Even Riteish Deshmukh shared a picture of him lovingly hugging the late director. They both worked in ‘Lal Bhaari’ together as it became the highest-grossing Marathi film of 2014.
I will miss you my friend. #NishikantKamat Rest In Peace. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/cqEeLbKJPM
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) August 17, 2020
Riteish’s wife, Genelia Deshmukh had also worked with Nishikant in the film ‘Force’. She took to social media to remember what he meant to her.
#NishikantKamat you were one of a kind.. I found a life coach in you.. I live by so much that we discussed and I live with knowing you were such an amazing soul and I’m just so glad our paths crossed.. I will miss you dear Nishi .. R.i.p ❤️
— Genelia Deshmukh (@geneliad) August 17, 2020
Arjun Rampal was the face of Kamat’s 2017 directorial, ‘Daddy’. He said that ‘another gloom has set over everyone’ after hearing the tragic news.
Another gloom sets over us today as a dear friend and wonderful person Nishikant moves on to another realm. Your smile, your peaceful demeanour and just you shall be missed my friend. No more suffering Rip. #RIPNishikantKamat
— arjun rampal (@rampalarjun) August 17, 2020
Soha Ali Khan worked with the recently departed personality in his Bollywood directorial debut titled, ‘Mumbai Meri Jaan’. She shared the picture of both of them while expressing some heartfelt words.
She wrote, “Deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the untimely demise of Nishikant Kamat. I worked with him 12 years ago in his first Hindi film, Mumbai Meri Jaan, and it was an experience I will always value. My most heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. #nishikantkamat may he be at peace.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CD_OxbfjzQB/?utm_source=ig_embed
Ishita Dutta, who was seen in the supporting role of the film ‘Drishyam’ also expressed condolences over Twitter.
Nishi sir 💔
You saw me as Anju and gave me a film I will cherish forever… Thanku for your kind words and encouragement when I needed it the most.
We will miss you.
Condolences to family and friends.
RIP 🙏#NishikantKamat pic.twitter.com/9S8K4vHKHC— Ishita Dutta (@ishidutta) August 17, 2020
Apart from them, other significant personalities from the film industry like Abhishek Bachchan, Anurag Kashyap, Swara Bhasker, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, R Madhavan, Randeep Hooda and Riteish Sidhwani also expressed grief at the sad news.
Rest in peace dear Nishi. Our plans remain unfinished…. my thoughts and prayer to him and his family. 🙏🏽
— Abhishek 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧 (@juniorbachchan) August 17, 2020
Nishi 💔
— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) August 17, 2020
😢😢😢 I will always remember the warmth of your smile and the twinkle in your eyes Nishi sir! 💔💔💔 Thank you for #DombiviliFast #MumbaiMeriJaan and all those conversations.. #RIP #NishikantKamat https://t.co/96CNLcVG2b
— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) August 17, 2020
A sad day, loss of a Vocalist par excellence, a true culture icon #PanditJasraj Ji & a super talented friend, Actor, Director #NishikantKamat is gone too soon.#RestInPeace 🙏🏽
— Nawazuddin Siddiqui (@Nawazuddin_S) August 17, 2020
— Ranganathan Madhavan (@ActorMadhavan) August 17, 2020
Farewell Nishi!! You lived and died by what you decided you loved more than anything else .. I’m sure you had no regrets about much .. thank you for all the movies, all the fun stories, warmth and smiles #NishikantKamat 🤗 pic.twitter.com/b5RlUSeDBo
— Randeep Hooda (@RandeepHooda) August 17, 2020
My thoughts and prayers with the friends and family of #NishikantKamat. This is deeply saddening. May his soul rest in peace.
— Ritesh Sidhwani (@ritesh_sid) August 17, 2020
It was on July 31st that Kamat got admitted to AIG Hospitals, situated in Hyderabad. He was being treated for jaundice and abdominal distention there.