Nishikant Kamat was 50. (Photo: Express Archives)Director-actor Nishikant Kamat passed away in Hyderabad today. In a statement, AIG Hospital said, “Mr Nishikant Kamat (50 years, Male) was admitted to AIG Hospitals on 31st July 2020 with complaints of fever and excessive fatigue. It was diagnosed that he was suffering from liver cirrhosis for the past two years. Initially, we started antibiotics and supportive medications upon which Mr. Kamat showed improvement, but his condition soon deteriorated with progressive liver dysfunction and drowsiness. He was immediately shifted to the ICU, where his general condition gradually declined. Since yesterday, he developed respiratory failure and hypotension. Despite maximum efforts from Hepatologists, Gastroenterologists, Pulmonologists and Intensivists, his condition deteriorated eventually leading to multiple organ failure. Today, from afternoon onwards his vital parameters started declining, and at 1624 hrs he succumbed to his illness. Our condolences are with his family, friends and fans.”
Nishikant Kamat made his film debut as an actor with 2004 film Hava Aney Dey. This was followed by Marathi film Saatchya Aat Gharat in the same year. Kamat eventually ventured into direction with Dombivali Fast (2005), which went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi in 2006. He remade the film in Tamil as Evano Oruvan, starring R Madhavan in the lead role.
Kamat has also directed Mumbai Meri Jaan, Lai Bhaari, Drishyam, Madaari. Rocky Handsome and Force. As an actor, he appeared in movies like Bhavesh Joshi Superhero and Daddy among others. He was also involved as a creative producer on the ZEE5 web series The Final Call.
After news of Nishikant Kamat’s demise emerged online, friends and fans have been paying tribute to the actor-director on social media.
MLA Ranajagjitsinha Patil tweeted, "Director #NishikantKamat who directed famous films like LaiBhari , Drishyam, Mumbai Meri Jaan, Force has passed away. May his soul rest in peace. Strength to his family. Om Shanti."
Adil Hussain's recent tweet read, "Too many Sad news coming today! Pandit Jasraj the legendary Classical Vocalist and Nishikant Kamat, Director of so many films, who directed me as well in my early days of Jasoos Vijay pass away today. Rest in Peace both of you in Heaven. Will miss you Both."
":( Rest in peace Nishikant .. it was lovely working with you ..Thankyou for the stories and the smiles. My deepest condolences to the family," tweeted Shruti Haasan.
Vidyut Jammwal mentioned on his Twitter account, "#Nishikantkamat This is a personal loss ..There is so much more to the man than I can say,it could be Credibility reducing with limited words .I have a few things to say to him, I will say to him in my prayers."
Manoj Joshi posted, "A good friend, one of the finest director and actor #NishikantKamat left us today. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. ॐ शांति."
Vipin Sharma's post read, 'Had just sent you a message that get well soon and come back to Bombay Nishi. Prayed for you this morning. I am totally heart broken. #NishikantKamat Rest in Peace my dear friend."
Irshad Kamil posted, "#NishiKant_Kamat Tum chale gaye aur mere paas achanak laut aaye vo saare pal jo humne 'Madaari' ke dauraan saath bitaye the. Tum apne kaam mein Zinda ho Mere Dost, Rest In Peace."
Rajkummar Rao took to Twitter to post, "Rest in peace dear #NishikantKamath sir. My deepest condolences to his family & loved ones. 💔🙏."
Vicky Kaushal shared on his Instagram story, "My condolences to the family and loved ones of Nishikant Kamat Sir. May his soul rest in peace."
MLA Ranajagjitsinha Patil tweeted, "Director #NishikantKamat who directed famous films like LaiBhari , Drishyam, Mumbai Meri Jaan, Force has passed away. May his soul rest in peace. Strength to his family. Om Shanti."
Neil Nitin Mukesh posted on Twitter, "Extremely sad to hear about the demise of not just a great director but even a dear friend, a man who I remember as someone full of energy and hope 🙏🏻🙏🏻 God bless your soul #NishikantKamat sir. Gone too soon 🙏🏻."
Ronnie Screwvala shared, "Very sad to lose a friend and a creative colleague in #NishikantKamat - bad news just does not stop - what we will miss is his very unique way of thinking and storytelling as much as the person he was .."
"Saddened to come across the news of the sad demise of #NishikantKamat. This is really a very tough time for the industry. Please stay strong!! My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans. #RIPNishikant," Himansh Kohli said via Twitter.
Dr. Dhananjayan's tweet read, "#NishikantKamat one of the promising Filmmakers who made some beautiful films including #EvanoOruvan with @ActorMadhavan is no more. Very sad news. My condolences to his family. He will live through his wonderful films with us."
Swara Bhasker mentioned, "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."
Richa Chadha took to Twitter and wrote, "Was hoping against hope that I won’t have to write RIP next to your name ... but rest in peace dear erstwhile neighbour ! The skies will make room for that twinkle in your eye. Much love and respect ! Gone too soon... 2020, you are the worst."
Randeep Hooda posted on Twitter, "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."