Vikram Gaikwad Death: Aamir Khan, Ranveer Singh, Vivek Agnihotri & Other Celebs Mourn National Award-Winning Makeup Artist's Demise

National Award-winning makeup artist Vikram Gaikwad, who worked for some of the biggest films, passed away on Saturday (May 10), leaving those close to him in deep mourning. He was 61. Several Bollywood celebrities took to their respective social media accounts to mourn his death.

Actor-producer Aamir Khan who worked with Vikram in superhit films like Dangal, PK and Rang De Basanti, called him a 'true master' of his craft.

Aamir's statement read, "It is with great sorrow that we say goodbye to the legendary make-up artist Vikram Gaikwad. I had the pleasure of working with him in films like Dangal, PK and Rang De Basanti, to name a few. He was a true master of his craft and his work transformed many actors into unforgettable characters that will live forever on screen."

"Heartfelt condolences to the family from me, and everyone at AKP. We will miss you Dada," Aamir added.

Actor Ranveer Singh took to his Instagram story on Sunday and shared a photo of Vikram. Along with the monochrome photo, he wrote, "Dada," and added broken heart and folded hand emoticons.

Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter), "Om Shanti. Vikram Gaikwad was a legendary makeup artist and an asset to realistic Indian cinema. He didn’t just do makeup, which is often seen as a way to make actors look glamorous, he created characters and gave them soul, like a true artist."

"I had the privilege of observing his craft closely. Like I always say, artists never die," he further posted.

Actress and filmmaker Nandita Das, who attended Vikram's funeral in Mumbai on May 10, spoke to media persons about the late makeup artist.

Recalling her first meeting with Vikram, she said, "I met him for the first time in 1998, and we instantly connected. He was a very cheerful and witty person. Later, when I directed my first film, Firaaq, it was obvious that I called him first. I told him, 'There’s very little money, it’s a tough project, and there are many characters'... yet he still agreed to do the film. He supported me a lot and also believed in my vision."

Reacting to a post shared by paparazzo Viral Bhayani about Vikram's death on Instagram, actress Lara Dutta Bhupathi wrote, "Om Shanti "

Celebrity hair stylist Aalim Hakim shared a photo of Vikram and penned an emotional note. He wrote, "We shared so many films, so many moments of creative discovery. Those memories, those characters we built together—they will live on. Your spirit will continue to echo through every frame. You will be missed, deeply and dearly, Vikram Dada."

"But your light, your lessons, and your love for the craft will stay with us always. Duas for your soul Vikram Dada," he added.

Vikram is regarded as one of the most celebrated names in Indian cinema. According to media reports, he was admitted to Hiranandani Hospital in Powai three days before his death due to blood pressure-related issues.

He began his career in film makeup with the critically acclaimed movie Sardar and went on to lend his artistry to some of the most iconic Hindi and Marathi films.

His filmography includes Hindi blockbusters such as Panipat, Bell Bottom, Uri: The Surgical Strike, Blackmail, Dangal, PK, Super 30, Kedarnath, Thugs of Hindostan, and The Legend of Bhagat Singh.

In Marathi cinema, he worked on landmark historical dramas including Balgandharva, Ani… Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar, Lokmanya, Katyar Kaljat Ghusali, Fatteshikast, Pawankhind, and Sher Shivraj.

In theatre, Gaikwad was equally revered. He was responsible for the makeup in Janata Raja, a legendary stage production based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

He was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Makeup Artist for a Bengali film in 2013 and went on to win the award a record seven times - a testament to his unparalleled skill in transforming actors into lifelike historical and fictional figures. .

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