Anil Dharker, veteran journalist and writer also the founder and director of the Mumbai International Literary Festival passed away on Thursday. He was reportedly suffering from cardiac illnesses. He was in his mid-70s.
Dharker has been the editor The Illustrated Weekly of India, The Independent and Mid-day. He has been a columnist for many of India’s leading newspapers such as The Times of India, The Economic Times, The Hindu and DNA. He has been a columnist for International names such as Gulf News and Khaleej Times.
Veteran journalist and writer Anil Dharker passes away
— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2021
(Photo source: Anil Dharker's Twitter page) pic.twitter.com/jR0peXf6OB
Dharker founded Literature Live!, in 2010. They organise the annual Tata Literature Live festival in Mumbai. He had also worked as a TV show producer and anchor and headed a news television channel.
Anil Dharker is also father of British-Indian actor Ayesha Dharker. Her mother is poet and artist Imtiaz Dharker. Ayesha is best known for her role as Queen Jamillia Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. She also appeared in the 2005 film The Mistress of Spices. Ayesha is married to Robert Taylor.
Since the news of his demise several popular names have been sharing their condolences.
Journalist, columnist, social commentator Shobhaa De wrote, "Goodbye dearest Anil. An elegant mind, a stylish writer, and a loyal friend. You will be missed by all those whose lives you touched. RIP"
Goodbye dearest Anil. An elegant mind, a stylish writer, and a loyal friend. You will be missed by all those whose lives you touched. RIP
— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) March 26, 2021
@anildharker pic.twitter.com/Xu2OaDWiz5
Noted columnist Bachi Karkaria wrote, "Extremely saddened by the passing of the many talented Anil Dharker. I can safely say no other Indian Litfest curator had his deep, emotional commitment or drive. Knew him for well nigh 50 years. Flourish as much up there, dear Anil."
Extremely saddened by the passing of the many talented Anil Dharker. I can safely say no other Indian Litfest curator had his deep, emotional commitment or drive. Knew him for well nigh 50 years. Flourish as much up there, dear Anil.
— bachi karkaria (@bachikarkaria) March 26, 2021