Nishikant Kamat, director of Drishyam and Madaari, dies at 50 of multiple organ failure

Nishikant Kamat, the filmmaker who delivered successful films such as Madaari and Drishyam, died on Monday of multiple organ failure.

Actor Riteish Deshmukh was among the first ones to inform the film industry about the director’s death as he tweeted, “I will miss you my friend. #NishikantKamat Rest In Peace.”

The director, who was suffering from chronic liver disease and secondary infections, was admitted to AIG Hospital in Gachibowli, Hyderabad on July 31. In a statement, the hospital said that Kamat was admitted on July 31 with complaint of fever and excessive fatigue.

“It was diagnosed that he was suffering from Liver Cirrhosis for the past two years. Initially, we started antibiotics and supportive medications upon which Mr. Kamat showed improvement, but his condition soon deteriorated with progressive liver dysfunction and drowsiness. He was immediately shifted to the ICU, where his general condition gradually declined. Since yesterday, he developed respiratory failure and hypotension,” the statement read.

In a statement on August 12, the medical facility had said that Kamat was hospitalised for jaundice and abdominal distention, and was diagnosed with chronic liver disease and other secondary infections. The hospital had described his condition “critical but stable”.

Kamat, 50, made his directorial debut with Marathi film Dombivali Fast in 2005. His Bollywood debut was Mumbai Meri Jaan, also starring Irrfan. Kamat also played the negative role in John Abraham-starrer Rocky Handsome in 2016, which he also directed.

His biggest hit was Ajay Devgn-Tabu starrer Drishyam, which was a remake of the Malayalam movie of the same name.