Navi Mumbai: Art director Nitin Desai was cremated on Friday evening amidst the sprawling and opulent sets he created at his studio in Karjat in deference to his last wishes.

Politicians Vinod Tawde and Kirit Somaiya attended the funeral at N D Studios along with film personalities Aamir Khan, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Ashutosh Rana, Mukesh Rishi, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sonali Kulkarni and Aadesh Bandekar. Aamir Khan led the movie fraternity in paying tributes before the cremation close to the helipad inside the premises. He said, “I cannot believe such an incident happened.”

Tawde personally monitored the funeral arrangements, which included a police gun salute in the presence of Raigad SP Somnath Gharge. One of Desai’s assistants (from 1999-2002) turned politician, Jitesh Kamath, recalled Desai’s dream to raise ground-plus-four storey sets on the 52-acre studio campus.

Jitesh Kamath said, “There was a time when at least one set at any of the studios in Mumbai including Film City would be booked in Desai’s name. He had dreamt of something big and hence set up this studio to fulfil his wish.”

A close friend, Eknath Kadam, said, “ND Studio has catered to over 150 actors. I spent time with Desai during the early days.”

A local, Prashant Deshmukh, recalled, “Desai during his peak provided jobs to one member of each family of the nearby Hatnoli village. The N D Studios land was purchased in a phased manner.”

The N D Studios in February this year hosted the marriage ceremony of Desai’s daughter. His wife, three children and son-in-law were among others present at the funeral.

Desai’s wife, daughter, son and son-in-law