Drishyam Director Nishikant Kamat, who was undergoing treatment in Hyderabad, passed away on August 17. He was 50.
Riteish Deshmukh confirmed the news with his tweet: 'I will miss you my friend. #NishikantKamat Rest In Peace'.
Director Milap Zaveri had tweeted news of Kamat's death in the morning, with, 'Heartbreaking news that Nishikant Kamat passed away. He judged My 1st play ever in Jaihind College where he awarded me best actor and writer. He was gonna direct 'Sanak' written by @shiekhspear and me, starring @juniorbachchan. Sadly the film didn't happen. Will miss him''
That's when Riteish and Sandhya Mridul pointed out that the news was, in fact, incorrect, and that Kamath was on a ventilator.
Zaveri immediately corrected myself and tweeted, 'Just spoke to someone who is with Nishikant in the hospital right now. He hasn't passed away yet. Yes, he is v critical and fighting life and death. But he still alive.'
He added: 'Sadly, the end seems inevitable. But as of now, Nishikant is still on ventilator.'
Nishikant made his directorial debut with the Marathi film, Dombivali Fast, in 2005 and he won a National Film Award for it.
He remade Mohanlal's Malayalam hit Drishyam in Hindi, with Ajay Devgn and Tabu in 2015. It was a huge hit.
He also directed Force, Mumbai Meri Jaan and Rocky Handsome.
His last directorial was the Irrfan Khan-starrer, Madaari.
Nishikant also acted in Saatchya Aat Gharat, Rocky Handsome, Bhavesh Joshi Superhero, Fugay and Julie 2.
With the news of his death, film folk took to social media to pay their condolences.
Genelia Deshmukh: #NishikantKamat you were one of a kind.. I found a life coach in you.. I live by so much that we discussed and I live with knowing you were such an amazing soul and I’m just so glad our paths crossed.. I will miss you dear Nishi .. R.i.p.
Ajay Devgn: My equation with Nishikant was not just about Drishyam, a film which he directed with Tabu and me. It was an association that I cherished. He was bright; ever-smiling. He has gone too soon. RIP Nishikant.
Ashoke Pandit: Extremely sad to know that my friend Director actor #NishikantKamat is no more. I knew him since his theatre days... an ace story teller and a grounded beautiful being.... gone too soon. Will miss U dost. ॐ शांति!
Randeep Hooda: 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.
Satish Kaushik: Shocked to hear the news of Nishikant Kamat's sudden demise at such an early age. Had great time shooting movie '404' with him. RIP my friend. Om Shanti.
Atul Kasbekar: Gone too soon. This year has been relentless.
