NEW DELHI -- Inder Malhotra, a highly respected journalist, columnist and political commentator, whose career spanned four decades, passed away on Sunday at the age of 86.
Malhotra, who started his career with the United Press Service, went on to become a hugely influential voice in the Indian media, working as an editor with The Statesman between 1965 and 1971 and with The Times of India from 1978 to 1986. He was also a correspondent for the Guardian from 1978 to 1986.
The veteran journalist, who received the Ramnath Goenka Lifetime Achievement award in 2013, suffered a cardiac arrest and he was reportedly on the ventilator for quite a while before he passed away.
Malhotra, a graduate of Punjab University, was also a Nehru Fellow and a Woodrow Wilson Fellow.
His books included Dynasties of India and beyond: Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Indira Gandhi: A Personal & Political Biography.
Malthotra's wife Rekha Malhotra, a classical dancer, died in 2007. He is survived by his son, Anil Revri, who is a painter.
Malhotra's cremation will be held around 11 am at Lodhi Road electric crematorium on Sunday, Press Trust of India reported.
Journalists, politicians and President of India Pranab Mukherjee bid farewell to Malhotra on Twitter today.
Heartfelt condolences on the passing away of Shri Inder Malhotra, a doyen amongst Indian journalists #PresidentMukherjee
— President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) June 11, 2016
One of the doyens of political journalism Inder Malhotra passes away. Saw India from Nehru to Modi. RIP
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) June 11, 2016
Sad to hear of the passing away of veteran journalist Inder Malhotra. He was insightful & an encyclopaedia of political events #Condolences
— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) June 11, 2016
Sad loss Inder Malhotra, among finest of a golden generation of editors & most big-hearted by far. RIP and gratitude for all you taught me
— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) June 11, 2016
Saddened to know of passing away of Inder Malhotra ji - one of the finest political commentators of our times. May his soul rest in peace.
— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) June 11, 2016
Terrible news. Family friend, guiding light for generations of young reporters. RIP https://t.co/egLdVnsIbr
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) June 11, 2016
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