Abhishek Bachchan Honors His Longtime Makeup Artist Ashok Sawant

Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan took to social media to pay tribute to his personal makeup artist, Ashok Sawant, who left this world on November 9. Known affectionately as “Ashok dada,” Sawant was a significant presence in Abhishek’s life for over 27 years.

A Lifelong Connection

The journey between Abhishek Bachchan and Ashok Sawant began with Abhishek's debut film, Refugee. Over time, Ashok morphed from mere makeup artist to a cherished family member. Abhishek acknowledged the deep Bollywood lineage of Sawant's family, noting that Ashok's elder brother, Deepak Sawant, had been the go-to makeup artist for Amitabh Bachchan for an impressive five decades.

In his Instagram post, Abhishek recounted Ashok’s kind nature, labeling him “the most loving, gentle, and affable person” who always greeted everyone with a smile. Even during his later years of illness, Ashok was dedicated to making sure Abhishek looked his best on film sets.

Heartfelt Memories and Tributes

Abhishek reminisced, “Last night we lost him. He was the first individual from whom I sought blessings before starting my shots for new films. Now, I'll have to look to the skies, trusting you are looking down and blessing me.”

He expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, “Thank you, dada, for your unwavering love, support, and your remarkable talent. It's heartbreaking to think of heading to work without you by my side. I hope you find peace, and I eagerly await the day we reunite for that bear hug.”

Along with his tribute, Abhishek shared two photographs of Ashok Sawant: one from his recent work on the film Kaalidhar and another from earlier in his career, showcasing the enduring bond they had.

Industry Reactions Pour In

The news of Ashok Sawant's death elicited responses of condolence from numerous Bollywood icons. Notable actor Jackie Shroff said, “Om Shanti. Such a gentle soul. My thoughts are with his family.” Boman Irani expressed heartbreak as well, calling Ashok “always warm and protective,” noting he will be sorely missed.

Other stars, including Ranveer Singh, Remo D’Souza, Tara Sharma, and Navya Nanda, joined the collective mourning, emphasizing the heartfelt respect Ashok held in the film fraternity.

Future Endeavors for Abhishek Bachchan

Last seen in the Zee5 film Kaalidhar Laapata, Abhishek Bachchan is set to appear in Siddharth Anand’s upcoming film King, featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan. The loss of his trusted friend and collaborator comes at a poignant juncture as he steers through significant projects ahead.