A Grand Tribute to Legendary Makeup Artist Vikram Gaikwad
Mumbai: The Vikram Gaikwad Legacy Awards 2026 concluded on a magnificent note, emerging as one of the most memorable celebrations dedicated to the unsung heroes of Indian cinema. Held on Guru Purnima at Prabodhankar Thackeray Natya Mandir, Borivali (West), Mumbai, the prestigious ceremony paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary makeup artist Vikram Gaikwad, whose extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema continues to inspire generations of artists.
Organised by Shrikant Desai & Committee
Organised by Shrikant Desai & Committee, in association with the Late Vikram Gaikwad Family, the event witnessed an overwhelming response from the film fraternity, makeup and hair professionals, media representatives, students, and cinema enthusiasts. The awards ceremony was conducted in a grand and dignified manner, celebrating excellence in makeup and hair artistry while honouring the legacy of one of India’s finest creative visionaries.
Rituparna Sengupta Applauds the Initiative
Rituparna Sengupta applauds the initiative at the Vikram Gaikwad Legacy Awards 2026 in Mumbai, celebrating the contributions of makeup and hair artists in Indian cinema. (Photo: SMW News)
The evening was graced by several distinguished personalities from the entertainment industry. Among the prominent guests was Rituparna Sengupta, who attended the ceremony and appreciated the efforts of the organisers. She congratulated Shrikant Desai and his entire team for conceptualising and executing such a meaningful and successful event. She praised the organisers for creating a platform that recognises the invaluable contribution of makeup and hair artists, who have long remained the backbone of Indian filmmaking.
Speaking during the event, Rituparna Sengupta expressed that Vikram Gaikwad’s contribution to Indian cinema is unmatched and that honouring professionals working behind the camera is an important step towards giving them the recognition they truly deserve. She also appreciated the warmth, discipline, and flawless management that made the event a memorable experience for everyone present.
Honouring Excellence in Makeup and Hair Artistry
The ceremony honoured outstanding professionals in the categories of Best Makeup Designer – Hindi Cinema, Best Hair Designer – Hindi Cinema, Best Makeup Designer – Marathi Cinema, and Best Hair Designer – Marathi Cinema. In addition, four veteran makeup artists were felicitated for their lifelong dedication and invaluable contribution to the Indian film industry. Their recognition received a standing ovation from the audience, making it one of the most emotional moments of the evening.
Remembering Vikram Gaikwad’s Enduring Legacy
Throughout the programme, several speakers remembered Vikram Gaikwad not only as an internationally respected makeup artist but also as a mentor who inspired countless young professionals with his discipline, creativity, and passion for perfection. His remarkable work across Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and other Indian film industries continues to serve as a benchmark for excellence in cinematic makeup artistry.
An Evening of Tributes, Inspiration, and Celebration
The event featured heartfelt tributes, award presentations, inspiring speeches, and interactions among senior industry professionals and emerging talent. The atmosphere reflected both celebration and gratitude, making the occasion a true homage to the legendary artist’s enduring legacy.
Organiser Expresses Gratitude
Organiser Shrikant Desai thanked all the celebrities, guests, award recipients, industry members, media partners, volunteers, and attendees for their wholehearted support. He also expressed his gratitude to the Late Vikram Gaikwad Family for their trust and cooperation in making the awards a reality. According to him, the vision behind the awards is to preserve Vikram Gaikwad’s legacy while encouraging future generations of makeup and hair artists to pursue excellence with dedication and innovation.
A Flawlessly Executed Ceremony
The audience appreciated the event’s flawless execution, elegant presentation, and meaningful objective. From the stage design and award presentations to the overall coordination, every aspect of the ceremony reflected professionalism and respect for the legendary artist whose name the awards proudly carry.
More Than Just an Awards Ceremony
More than just an awards ceremony, the Vikram Gaikwad Legacy Awards 2026 became a celebration of creativity, mentorship, craftsmanship, and artistic excellence. The successful event highlighted the immense contribution of makeup and hair professionals who play a vital role in bringing cinematic characters to life.
A Strong Foundation for an Annual Tradition
With its grand success, the inaugural edition has laid a strong foundation for what promises to become a prestigious annual tradition in the Indian entertainment industry. The ceremony not only honoured the memory of Vikram Gaikwad but also reinforced the importance of recognising the talented artists working behind the scenes, ensuring that their dedication and creativity receive the appreciation they rightfully deserve.
Looking Ahead
The resounding success of the event has left attendees with unforgettable memories and renewed hope that such initiatives will continue to elevate and celebrate the invaluable contributions of technicians and creative professionals who shape the magic of Indian cinema.
-Anand Mishra
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