By: Mohnish Singh
Veteran art director Marutirao Kale, whose credits include a series of Hindi classics such as Meena Kumari’s Pakeezah (1972) and superstar Amitabh Bachchan’s Deewaar (1975) and Kabhi Kabhie (1976), has died aged 92.
Kale is the latest Bollywood celebrity to have lost his life to novel coronavirus. He had tested positive for the virus earlier this month following which he was admitted to Holy Family Multispeciality Hospital in Bandra, Mumbai, where he breathed his last.
The veteran passed away on May 26, his daughter Meena Kapadia told a newswire. “He had tested positive for Covid-19 on May 7 and was admitted to Holy Family hospital. He passed away on May 26,” Kapadia said.
Kale’s tryst with Hindi cinema began with K Asif’s magnum opus Mughal-e-Azam (1960) as a carpenter. In years to come, he shifted to art direction and worked as assistant art director on several notable Hindi films, including Sunil Dutt and Sadhana's Mera Saaya (1966) and Manoj Kumar and Saira Banu’s Purab Aur Paschim (1970). He also worked on Manoj Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan’s 1974 blockbuster Roti Kapada Aur Makaan.
In his career spanning more than four decades, Kale has designed sets for more than 100 iconic Hindi films. Some of his other successful films as an independent art director include Amitabh Bachchan's Deewaar, Kabhi Kabhie, Mithun Chakraborty's Disco Dancer (1982) and Dance Dance (1987) and Saudagar (1991) featuring Dilip Kumar, Raj Kumar, Vivek Mushran and Manisha Koirala.
Kale is survived by his wife and three daughters.
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
Then vs now: 20 years later, the Jonas Brothers are still setting the stage on fireGetty Images 
Then, now, forever Jonas — a legacy 20 years in the makingGetty Images
Then, now, forever Jonas — a legacy 20 years in the makingGetty Images
Still burning up: the Jonas Brothers celebrate 20 years of music, memories, and mayhemGetty Images
Brotherhood, bangers, and big dreams — the Jonas formula that never failedGetty Images
20 years, five albums, and zero chill — the Jonas Brothers are still the momentGetty Images
From first gigs to global stages — every era of the Jonas Brothers has been iconicGetty Images
They’ve changed outfits, sounds, and eras — but the Jonas charm? UntouchableGetty Images
Then, now, forever Jonas — a legacy 20 years in the makingGetty Images
Pop power trio: how the Jonas Brothers became a multigenerational phenomenonGetty Images
From the Disney Channel to sold-out arenas — here’s how the Jonas Brothers did itGetty Images
From teenage dreams to timeless tunes — the Jonas Brothers have truly come full circleGetty Images
A still from Love You, India’s first AI-generated film created without actors, technicians, or crewInstagram
Caste-based controversy surrounds Phule director Anurag Kashyap, with FIRs filed and heated discussions across IndiaGetty Images 
Pugh’s bold look combined intricate lace, dramatic makeup, and unapologetic styleGetty Images
Red carpet confidence: Florence Pugh’s fashion choice sparks conversation once againGetty Images