One of the most famous and renowned journalist, Vinod Mehta started career with Debonair in 1974. The coming years saw his rise in the field of journalism. With tireless efforts and bold stories he created niche for himself. Apart from print media he also played proactive part in electronic media. He was editorial chairman of the Outlook Group. Born in Rawalpindi on 31 May 1942 he was married to Sumita Paul. He died at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on 8 March 2015, after a prolonged illness.
A famed editor and writer Vinod Mehta with his work will continue to inspire generations to come. Known as a man of tremendous integrity he was straightforward man with crystal clear views on various topics, social, economic or political. Many eminent journalists of the day were groomed by him. He was admired for his unconventional approach thought provoking articles. His demise was a big loss to the field of journalism as people like him are hard to find who despite having access to corridors of power remain unbiased with ethical reporting on matters of concern.
Personal Life
Born in Rawalpindi, now in Pakistan on 31 May 1942 he spend his childhood days in Lucknow. He attended La Martinere school and the university there. Settled in Delhi he was married to another famed journalist Sumita Paul, who worked for The Pioneer and the Sunday edition of The Times of India. He had a daughter from a past relationship. He died of multi-organ failure at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on 8 March 2015, after a prolonged illness.
Professional Career
Starting his journalistic career as editor at Debonair in the year 1974 Vinod Mehta did many stories. He did not belief in sensationalized stories, and gravitated toward truth in journalism. Well known for his ability he was credited for launching a number of successful publications including Sunday Observer, Indian Post, The Independent, The Pioneer (Delhi edition) and finally, Outlook. He was editorial chairman of the Outlook Group. In his long journalistic career he authored biographies of actress Meena Kumari and politician Sanjay Gandhi. Others like Mr Editor, how close are you to the PM? (1999), Lucknow Boy A Memoir, and Editor Unplugged was also well received by large segment of people.
A known face of India media he was very much acquainted with the political class of the country. In long span of career he also faced criticism. Though India's most fearless and independent editors, he was often criticised for analysing too much out of anything. He faced professional hurdles when in 2012 Indian Express sued him for defamation after he hinted that a story it had run was planted. In fact he was someone whom people love to read and hear. He also made his presence felt in the field of electronic media and was a TV panellist frequently appearing on shows like Newshour on Times Now and India at 9 at CNN-IBN. He was respected by his peers for his deep insight and was looked upon as someone with integrity; savvy and good sense. He’d been the president of the Editors Guild of India and was, briefly, the writer and presenter of “Letter from India” on the BBC World Service and BBC Radio 4. Undoubtedly one of the most celebrated journalists of this century he was awarded with the Yash Bharti Samman on 9 February 2015 by the Government of Uttar Pradesh for his work in the field of journalism.
Major Works
Bombay: A Private View (1971)
The Sanjay Story (2012)
Meena Kumari (1972)
Mr Editor, how close are you to the PM? (1999)
Lucknow Boy: A Memoir (2010)
Editor Unplugged (2014)
Illness and Death
Unwell for quite some time, Vinod Mehta was admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He died of multi-organ failure on 8 March 2015, at the age of 73.
Condolence Messages
Death of Vinod Mehta was mourned by large section of society. Personalities from different fields mourned his death.
Outlook Magazine: Outlook Group announces with deep sadness the demise of its founder editor in chief and editorial chairman, Vinod Mehta, in New Delhi, today
Narendra Modi: Frank & direct in his opinions, Vinod Mehta will be remembered as a fine journalist & writer. Condolences to his family on his demise.
Rajnath Singh: Saddened to learn of veteran journalist Shri Vinod Mehta's demise. He was a sensible journalistic voice well known for his candid comments.
Arun Jaitley: Vinod Mehta’s death is a loss to journalism. His absence will be felt in every debate.
Shashi Tharoor: Can't believe someone as lively,frank,opinionated &larger-than-life as VinodMehta has passed away. His trenchant writing will be much missed
Rajdeep Sardesai: In an age of Pygmy editors who won't stand up to be counted, Vinod Mehta was exceptional. The old school of Mumbai editors. RIP
Manish Sisodia: Vinod Mehta ji will always be remembered for his bold journalism and consistent refusal to compromise with principles
Pankaj Pachauri: My condolences on the passing away of Vinod Mehta, my former boss and the Last Editor Standing. Praying for his soul and his family.
Wildcard Vidyut: I like to imagine this flood of witty quotes is how Vinod Mehta would like news of his death to spread.
Anupam Kher: Vinod Mehta was one of the few editors I met in my early days in Mumbai. He was generous & direct. Will miss him & his straight forwardness
Anant Rangaswami: Vinod Mehta to me in 2004. ""When I die I would not be unhappy if they put on my tombstone: 'Here lies a print journalist.'"
Arun Ram: His irreverence stemmed from his clarity of what journalism needs to do during testing times. RIP #Vinod Mehta #EditorUnplugged
Raj Shekhar: "I call my dog Editor because he is stubborn, wilful & thinks he knows everything." Rest in peace sir.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar: Like him or Hate him , Agree or disagree with him, but never cud be ignored! #Respect ! RIP #VinodMehta
Spouse: Sumita Paul
** Please help us keep the Message Board clean and respectful. We take online abuse very seriously. Read the TERMS OF USE to avoid having your message deleted.
INDIAONLINE.IN
(FAN OF Mr. VINOD MEHTA)
We seek to promote lively discussion and debate. We believe that our users have the right to express themselves freely in a manner that is courteous and respectful of others' point of view and sensibility.
Repeated violations may lead to suspension and/or termination of your message posting privileges.
www.tributes.in takes abuse very seriously: We will co-operate fully with law enforcement, including disclosure of your user ID, IP address and messaging history.
Please review your message, you cannot delete/edit once it has been posted.
Give a Tribute to someone special and see how your family and friends react - it'll be priceless (trust us)!
Create a Tribute Page