Entertainment Journalism Doyen Nari Hira Passes Away

Senior journalist and founder of Stardust magazine, Nari Hira, passed away on Friday, August 23. Hira, 86, who is credited with revolutionising the Indian magazine industry, owned Magna Publishing in Mumbai, which is home to well-known publications like Stardust, Savvy, Showtime, Society, and Health. In addition, he produced films with Magna Films, a division of his publishing house.

Hira's family released a touching letter expressing their profound sadness and sharing their happy memories of him, “A pioneer in print media, a family man, and a father beyond compare”.

The industry also came forward in support of Hira's family, remembering his legendary works.

RIP Nari Hira,the genius of Indian publishing.The magazine revolution began when he launched Stardust.He broke every convention of film coverage & then created a magazine empire based on those principles;be sharp,be blunt but write well & make it look good 
I will miss him pic.twitter.com/KgJ6rfluk8

— vir sanghvi (@virsanghvi) August 24, 2024

My first job was at #Cineblitz which was in direct competition with his #Stardust. Yet, the respect for Nari Hira was seen to be believed. 
A doyen of entertainment journalism, created magazines like Savvy, Society, Showtime passes away. pic.twitter.com/AScYZenWYo

— Indranil Roy 🇮🇳 (@indraroy) August 24, 2024

Nari Hira is no more. We don’t have such bold publishers now. 
Mischievous sometimes but honest, always. Stardust, Showtime, Savvy and Society magazines influenced youth of 80s, gave platform to many writers and journalists. pic.twitter.com/se9EDX4ZYm

— Sheela Bhatt शीला भट्ट (@sheela2010) August 24, 2024

RIP Nari Hira sir. You did a terrific job in your life. 🙏🏼🌹 pic.twitter.com/GfaZ85ynkU

— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) August 24, 2024

Hira was born in Karachi in 1938, and following India's division in 1947, he and his family relocated to Mumbai. In the 1960s, he started his journalism career and subsequently moved into publishing. His magazine Stardust, well-known for its sensationalised articles, rumours, and disclosures about Bollywood superstars, rose to prominence quickly.

Because of its contentious content, the magazine frequently found itself in legal hot water, being sued for defamation by several well-known actors, including Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Amitabh Bachchan. Notwithstanding the difficulties, Hira was revered as the "King of Indian Magazines" and his publication had a big influence on Indian popular culture.

Numerous honours, such as the Indian Magazine Congress' Lifetime Achievement Award, were given to Hira in recognition of her services to Indian publications. Rahuul Hira, his son, has assumed the role of managing director at Magna Publishing, however specifics regarding his personal life are still unknown.

Nari Hira's death has left a vacuum in the Indian media landscape, but future generations will be motivated by his legacy as a visionary and trailblazer.