Abhishek Bachchan Honors Late Makeup Artist Ashok Sawant

Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his longtime makeup artist, Ashok Sawant, who passed away on November 9. Known affectionately as “Ashok dada,” he worked alongside Abhishek for an impressive 27 years.

A Relationship Built on Trust

Their partnership began with Abhishek's debut film, Refugee. Over the years, Ashok transcended the role of a mere makeup artist and became a beloved member of Abhishek's extended family. Abhishek highlighted Ashok's remarkable legacy in the film industry, noting that his brother, Deepak Sawant, has been the makeup artist for Amitabh Bachchan for almost five decades.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Abhishek reminisced about Ashok’s kind spirit, referring to him as “the most loving and gentle person” who always maintained a cheerful demeanor. Even during Ashok’s illness, he upheld a commitment to Abhishek’s flawless appearance on set.

Tributes Pour In

Abhishek recalled fond memories, stating, “We lost him last night. He was the first person whose feet I touched for blessings before my first shot of every new film. Now I must look to the heavens knowing you will be watching over me.”

He conveyed immense gratitude for Ashok’s unwavering support, saying, “Thank you, dada, for your love, care, dignity, talent, and smile. The thought of going to work without you is heart-wrenching. I pray you find peace, and I anticipate the bear hug we’ll share when we meet again.”

Alongside his tribute, Abhishek posted two photos of Ashok: one from his recent role in the film Kaalidhar and another from earlier in his career, celebrating their long-standing bond.

Responses from Bollywood

The film community expressed shock and condolences over Ashok's passing. Veteran actor Jackie Shroff remarked, “Om Shanti. What a gentle soul he was. My condolences.” Boman Irani described Ashok as “always warm and protective,” highlighting that his presence will be sorely missed.

Numerous celebrities, including Ranveer Singh and Tara Sharma, joined in mourning, underscoring the profound respect Ashok earned in the industry.

What's Next for Abhishek Bachchan

Abhishek’s most recent appearance was in the Zee5 film Kaalidhar Laapata. He is expected to star next in King, directed by Siddharth Anand, alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan. The loss of his trusted collaborator is particularly poignant as he engages in significant projects in his career.