Abhishek Bachchan Commemorates His Beloved Makeup Artist

Post by : Mina Rahman

Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan shared a poignant tribute for his longtime makeup artist, Ashok Sawant, who sadly passed away on November 9. Fondly referred to as “Ashok dada,” Sawant had been a significant presence in Abhishek’s life for over 27 years.

Enduring Connection

Abhishek Bachchan’s journey with Ashok Sawant started with his debut film, Refugee. Over the decades, Ashok became more than a makeup artist; he was part of Abhishek’s family circle. Abhishek highlighted the remarkable legacy of Sawant's family in Bollywood, mentioning that Ashok’s elder brother, Deepak Sawant, served as the makeup artist for Amitabh Bachchan for nearly five decades.

In an emotional Instagram post, Abhishek reminisced about Ashok’s warm nature, calling him “the most loving, gentle, and affable person,” who always wore a smile. Even in his last years when he faced health challenges, Ashok was committed to ensuring Abhishek looked his best on set.

A Heartfelt Farewell

Abhishek shared, “Last night we lost him. He was the first person I’d seek blessings from before my first shot of a new film. Now, I will look towards the heavens and know that you will be watching over me.”

He expressed deep gratitude for Ashok’s unwavering support and talent, stating, “Thank you, dada, for your love, care, and smile. It's heartbreaking to know that I will work without you. I pray for your peace, and I eagerly await our reunion in the future.”

Alongside his emotional tribute, Abhishek posted two photos of Ashok Sawant: one from his recent work on the film Kaalidhar and another from earlier days, illustrating the long journey they experienced together.

Industry's Condolences

The announcement of Ashok Sawant’s passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from various Bollywood figures. Veteran actor Jackie Shroff said, “Om Shanti. A gentle soul indeed. My deepest sympathies.” Boman Irani also fondly remembered Ashok, describing him as “always warm and protective,” and noted the significant loss to the community.

Numerous other celebrities, such as Ranveer Singh, Remo D’Souza, Tara Sharma, and Navya Nanda, expressed their grief, underscoring the respect and love Ashok garnered in the industry.

Future Endeavors for Abhishek Bachchan

Abhishek Bachchan was recently featured in the Zee5 film Kaalidhar Laapata. He will soon appear in Siddharth Anand’s King, alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan. The loss of his trusted collaborator comes at a crucial moment as he continues to pursue significant projects in his career.