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Hansal Mehta paid heartfelt tribute to art director Nitin Desai, recalling a dark phase in his career when he battled financial pressures and contemplated self-harm after the failure of his films 'Omerta' and 'Simran'. Desai, renowned for creating opulent movie sets for films like 'Devdas', 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam', and 'Lagaan', was found hanging at his studio in Karjat, near Mumbai. It was revealed that his company, ND's Art World Pvt Ltd, had defaulted on a staggering Rs 252-crore loan to its financial creditor, as per an insolvency petition filed in a bankruptcy court recently.
Reflecting on Desai's tragic demise, Mehta emphasized how the film industry's financial challenges, driven by emotions, can have a crippling effect. He opened up about facing numerous crises, especially after the failure of 'Omerta' and 'Simran', which led him into a downward spiral of debt. The involvement of powerful mediators or coercive forces worsened his predicament, making it an immensely distressing period. The filmmaker candidly admitted to frequently battling impulses to harm himself during that time.
Mehta expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support and comfort he received from his family and a select group of "true friends," with whom he could share his struggles. However, he confessed that when alone, the darkness felt all-consuming, leaving him devoid of creative thoughts and feelings of inadequacy as both an artist and a human being.
Despite these trying circumstances, Mehta found hope in the belief that the darkness would eventually subside. He also sought professional help, which played a vital role in helping him emerge from that dreadful phase. Immersing himself in work further aided his journey to recovery. The news of Nitin Desai's tragic passing and the revelations about his financial troubles triggered Mehta's memories of that challenging period, leaving him deeply saddened by the loss of such a remarkable artist.
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Hansal Mehta shared his heartfelt condolences, writing, 'Om Shanti, a traditional phrase conveying peace and serenity. His touching tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the mental and emotional toll that financial struggles can take on individuals within the film industry, shedding light on the importance of mental health awareness and support in the face of such challenges.
