MUMBAI: Actor Nikhil Arya is heartbroken after he heard about the demise of ace designer Wendell Rodricks. The actor, who has been a very well known name in the world of television, remembers the late designer for his patience and positive nature.

"My heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of one of India's finest designers Wendell Rodricks I was fortunate enough to interact with him in the beginning of my career. He had a soft-spoken demeanour and was very patient with newcomers. What an artist!! What a gentleman!! a great loss indeed," shares Nikhil.

Before establishing himself as a successful actor, Nikhil had a stint with the fashion world. That is where he has the opportunity to work with Wendell Rodricks, who passed away in Goa on February 12.

" I met him during a brief stint with fashion and ramp modelling before I entered advertising and then television. He also styled one of my adfilms," he says.

The multi talented actor, who has been part of innumerable successful shows on television believes that a good designer can change the game for any actor.

"A designer plays a major role in an actor's life. After the actor understands the writers and directors vision and learns the dialogues-it is only when he gets into his costume that the actor actually starts "feeling" the character from within and as they say  the actor then gets under the "skin" of the character".And better the designer the more real is the "feeling" within. I will always remember Wendell and our conversations, " Nikhil signs off on an emotional note.