Tributes paid to India’s first Oscar winner Bhanu Athaiya
SEVERAL Bollywood personalities, including actors Aamir Khan, Renuka Shahane and Simi Garewal, have mourned the passing away of Oscar-winning costume designer Bhanu Athaiya.
Athaiya, 91, died at her home after prolonged illness on Thursday. She won an Oscar for her work in the Richard Attenborough’s 1983 film Gandhi.
Her daughter, Radhika Gupta, told that the costume designer was diagnosed with a tumour in her brain eight years ago and was bedridden for the last three years as one side of her body was paralysed.
One of her closest friends, Garewal said Athaiya was suffering from dementia and didn’t remember anything or any of the films, except Gandhi.
‘It was very hard to talk to her. I felt sad... Is this what happens to talented human being? It is a huge sense of loss. She had brain tumour too for eight years. Maybe it was time for her to be at peace. She has left a legacy,’ Garewal told.
Khan, who worked with Athaiya for his 2001 period drama Lagaan, extended his condolences to her family and said that the veteran will be missed by the industry.
‘Bhanuji was one of those film people who beautifully combined accurate research and cinematic flair to bring to life the director’s vision. You will be missed Bhanuji,’ he tweeted on Thursday.
Shahane remembered Athaiya as an amazing, committed costume designer and reminisced about working with her during the making of 1996 Marathi feature Katha Don
Ganpatravanchi.
‘Winner of an Oscar award, the pride of our country, yet so very humble. I had the great privilege of working with her in the Marathi film Katha Don Ganpatravanchi,’ she tweeted.
Producer Boney Kapoor said Athiya’s achievement brought laurels to the country and he feels fortunate to have collaborated with her for 1995 drama Prem, starring Sanjay Kapoor and Tabu.
‘Her achievements brought glory to Indian cinema and Pride to the entire Country. Was blessed to have her for our film #Prem. She will always be an inspiration to all costume designers n stylists,’ Kapoor tweeted. Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty said Athiya has been a guiding light.