Digital News Guru Mumbai Desk:
Vikram Gaikwad: The Master Craftsman Who Transformed Indian Cinema
Vikram Gaikwad, the legendary makeup artist whose transformative work redefined character portrayal in Indian cinema, passed away on May 10, 2025, in Mumbai at the age of 65. His demise marks the end of an era where makeup artistry was elevated to a form of storytelling, breathing life into characters across languages and genres.
A Career Etched in Cinematic History
Gaikwad’s journey in the film industry began with the 1993 biographical film Sardar, where his meticulous attention to detail set a new benchmark for character authenticity. Over the decades, he became the go-to artist for filmmakers aiming to achieve realism and depth in their characters.
His portfolio boasts an array of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, including Dangal, PK, 3 Idiots, Omkara, Uri: The Surgical Strike, Sanju, 83, Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, Shakuntala Devi, and Ponniyin Selvan. Gaikwad’s expertise wasn’t confined to Bollywood; he made significant contributions to Marathi, Bengali, and South Indian cinema, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the craft.
Accolades and Recognition
Throughout his illustrious career, Gaikwad received multiple National Film Awards for Best Makeup Artist, a testament to his unparalleled skill and dedication. Notably, he was honored for his work in The Dirty Picture (2012) and the Bengali film Jaatishwar (2014). His ability to seamlessly blend artistry with character requirements made him an indispensable asset to filmmakers aiming for authenticity.
The Final Curtain
Gaikwad was admitted to Hiranandani Hospital in Powai, Mumbai, three days prior to his passing due to blood pressure-related issues. His younger brother, Dr. Prasanna Paranjpe, shared that Gaikwad’s condition deteriorated unexpectedly, leading to his demise at around 8:30 AM on May 10. His funeral was held later that day at 4:30 PM at the Shivaji Park Crematorium in Dadar, attended by family, friends, and members of the film fraternity.
Tributes from the Film Fraternity
The news of Gaikwad’s passing elicited an outpouring of grief and tributes from the film industry. Aamir Khan, who collaborated with Gaikwad on films like Dangal, PK, and Rang De Basanti, expressed his sorrow, stating, “He was a true master of his craft, and his work transformed many actors into unforgettable characters that will live forever on screen.”
Ranveer Singh, who worked with Gaikwad on 83, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, simply captioning a photo of the artist with “Dada” accompanied by emoticons symbolizing peace and remembrance.
Other actors, including Varun Dhawan, Arjun Kapoor, Parineeti Chopra, Anushka Sharma, and Sonam Kapoor, also paid their respects, highlighting Gaikwad’s gentle nature, artistic genius, and the indelible mark he left on their careers.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde honored Gaikwad’s legacy, referring to him as a “magician who brought characters to life on the silver screen.”
Legacy Beyond the Screen
Vikram Gaikwad’s contributions transcended the confines of makeup artistry; he was a storyteller who used his craft to add depth and realism to characters, enhancing the narrative of every film he touched. His dedication to authenticity and his ability to adapt to various cinematic styles made him a revered figure across India’s diverse film industries.
As the film community mourns the loss of this visionary artist, his legacy endures through the iconic characters he helped create and the inspiration he provides to aspiring makeup artists. Vikram Gaikwad’s work will continue to be celebrated as a cornerstone of Indian cinema’s rich tapestry.
Conclusion
Veteran makeup artist Vikram Gaikwad, a transformative figure in Indian cinema, passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in Mumbai at the age of 65. He had been hospitalized at Hiranandani Hospital in Powai three days earlier due to blood pressure-related issues. According to his younger brother, Dr. Prasanna Paranjpe, Gaikwad’s condition deteriorated unexpectedly, leading to his demise around 8:30 AM IST.
Gaikwad’s illustrious career spanned across Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, and South Indian cinema. He was renowned for his ability to bring characters to life through his makeup artistry. His exceptional work earned him multiple National Film Awards for Best Makeup Artist, including accolades for The Dirty Picture (2012) and Jaatishwar (2014).
Gaikwad’s funeral was held at 4:30 PM on Saturday at the Shivaji Park Crematorium in Dadar, Mumbai. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and younger brother. His contributions have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, inspiring future generations of makeup artists.
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