Award-winning Bollywood director Nitin Desai found dead in studio as police launch probe into his tragic death

BOLLYWOOD director Nitin Desai has been found dead in his studio near Mumbai.

The award-winning film-maker was discovered by cops this morning after being alerted by concerned residents at the Karjat residence.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, sources claimed.

Local media said the 58-year-old man's death sparked a police probe - with investigations ongoing.

Desai was a revered figure in Bollywood and a four-time National Award winner for Best Art Direction.

He had been living in India's Maharashtra's Raigad district since 2005, where he opened ND Studios and worked on many of his crowd-favourite movies.

Desai's close pal Vinod Tawde told Hindustan Times it was a tragic loss.

He said: "I used to often speak with him.

"It's very sad to hear about his death.

"I spoke to him the day before."

Desai began his career as an assistant art director on the television drama Tamas (1987).

He then carved out an illustrious career that spanned more than 30 years.

The esteemed director's most successful flicks included Lagaan (2001), Devdas (2002), Jodhaa Akbar (2008) and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015).

In 2016, Desai was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India.

He also managed to scoop three Filmfare Best Art Direction Awards.

It comes as two fans of a Tollywood star were electrocuted to death while installing the actor's birthday banner.