Bollywood Star Abhishek Bachchan Loses Longtime Makeup Artist and Family Friend
Indian actor Abhishek Bachchan shared devastating news with his followers on social media, announcing the passing of his trusted makeup artist Ashok Sawant. The emotional revelation came through an Instagram post where the actor expressed his profound grief over losing someone he considered family.
The beloved makeup artist, affectionately called 'Ashok dada' by Bachchan, passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025. Their professional relationship spanned an incredible 27 years, beginning with Bachchan's very first film and continuing through his entire career.
A Bond Beyond Professionalism
In his heartfelt tribute, Abhishek revealed the deep personal connection they shared. "Ashok dada and I have worked together for over 27 years," the actor wrote. "He wasn't just a part of my team, he was part of my family."
The family connection runs even deeper, as Ashok's elder brother Deepak Sawant has been serving as Amitabh Bachchan's makeup artist for nearly 50 years, creating a multi-generational bond between the Sawant and Bachchan families.
Abhishek shared a touching tradition that highlighted their special relationship: "He was the first person whose feet I would touch and take his blessings whenever I gave my first shot of a new film." This ritual demonstrated the respect and affection the actor held for his makeup artist.
Health Struggles and Professional Dedication
Despite health challenges in recent years, Ashok Sawant maintained his commitment to his work. "The last couple of years he was ailing so couldn't always be on set with me," Bachchan revealed. "But whenever I was shooting, there wasn't a single day he wouldn't check on me."
Even when physically unable to be present, Sawant ensured his assistant properly handled Abhishek's makeup, demonstrating his unwavering professionalism and care for the actor's appearance.
Bachchan remembered his colleague as "the most loving, gentle and affable person" who always carried a smile and warm embrace. He fondly recalled how Sawant often had "amazing namkeen chivda or bhakar wadi tucked away in his bag" to share.
Industry Reactions and Tributes
The news prompted an outpouring of condolences from Bollywood celebrities in the comments section of Bachchan's post. Fashion stylist Anaita Shroff Adajania described Sawant as "Such a sweet man," while global star Priyanka Chopra responded with a broken heart emoji.
Veteran actor Jackie Shroff wrote, "Om Shanti such a gentle soul he was my condolences." Other notable figures from the industry including Remo D'Souza, Lara Dutta, Zoya Akhtar, Aahana Kumra, and Tarun Mansukhani also paid their respects.
Abhishek concluded his emotional farewell with a promise to carry Sawant's memory forward: "From now on I will have to look up to the heavens and know that you'll be looking down and blessing me." He expressed his heartbreak at the thought of going to work without his longtime companion, signing off with "शांति" (peace).
The actor's upcoming projects include Raja Shivaji and King, where he's reportedly playing the antagonist opposite Shah Rukh Khan. These films will mark the first in his career without Ashok Sawant by his side.
