MUMBAI: Bollywood production designer Nitin Chandrakant Desai has been honoured by The Art Directors Guild (ADG) Film Society and American Cinematheque, one of the most prestigious honour to the eminent personalities across globe.

The 2002 film Devdas, which showcases the brilliance of Desai was screened on this occasion. Desai is the first Indian art director and production designer to get this honour.

The event witnessed a panel discussion moderated by production designer John Muto, which also included Sangita Shresthova, dancer, choreographer and media scholar, Nakul Dev Mahajan, an Indian-American dancer and choreographer known for his work in Bollywood dancing style on top TV show So You Think You Can Dance and Fusion Edge Media CEO Jack Rajsekar, who is also the executive producer of the Rajnikanth – Aishawarya Rai Bachchan starrer Enthiran- Robot.

With over 25 years in the industry, Desai has been associated with Indian movies such 1942: A Love Story, Josh, Jodhaa Akbar, Lagaan and Once Upon a Time In Mumbai to name few. Desai has worked on more than 85 films. He has won National Award for Best Film Direction four times and in 1999, he won a Genie Award for Best Achievement in Art Direction/Production Design for Such a Long Journey.

More recently, Desai has been praised for his work in Slumdog Millionaire (2008). He was the first designer to create a hydraulic set and director Danny Boyle was inspired to use a similar set in addition to the one built by Desai to reflect the interiors of the Taj Mahal.

“This is an honour to me and my country. History has been made today. It is indeed a pleasure for me to get global recognition. This is an also a proud moment for Maharashtra. I’m extremely happy that my work has been recognised in this way,” said Desai.