The Superintendent of Raigad police, Somnath Gharge, recalled the generosity of renowned art director Nitin Desai, who died by suicide on Wednesday. Gharge had got acquainted with him when he took charge some months back. For some strange reason, Gharge said, when he learnt of the Irsalwadi landslide, he could only think of Desai to seek help, and called him. The art director immediately sent four tents to the police. Karjat where Desai was based, working and living from his studio, is close to Irsalwadi.

‘Called Desai for help’

“When we were hiking towards Irsalwadi, I saw the rescue teams walking too and asked them what we needed at the village. They told me they needed a canopy as the heavy rain was making it difficult for them to stand in one spot. The first name that came to my mind was Nitin Desai. I called Desai at 1 am and asked him if he had anything which could provide shelter from the rain. He immediately replied ‘I will send four tents which can be used as a base camp’,” said Gharge. “Exactly 20 minutes later I received a call from an officer that someone had sent tents. I was stunned with Desai’s presence of mind and attitude to help,” Gharge added.