Notable Indian writer Khushwant Singh dies at 99

E-Paper | December 05, 2025

NEW DELHI: Notable Indian writer, editor and translator Khushwant Singh died Thursday at the age of 99 at his home in New Delhi, a report published on Indian news website NDTV quoted his son Rahul Singh as saying.

He will be cremated this afternoon.

Singh achieved acclaim for writing classics like “Train to Pakistan”, “I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale” and “Delhi”.

Also read: Profile: The Sardar of Hadali

His autobiography “Truth, Love and a Little Malice" was published by Penguin Books India in 2002.

He was the founder-editor of Yogana while also having remained the editor of three famous Indian publications — The Illustrated Weekly of India, The National Herald and The Hindustan Times.

He was born in Hadali, a Muslim majority village a few miles west of the river Jhelum. He was educated at the St. Stephen's College in Delhi, Government College, Lahore and later at King's College, London.

World

Profile: The Sardar of Hadali

Rakesh

Mar 20, 2014 01:43pm

He wasn't only a good writer but also a truthful editor. He should have completed his century! Nevertheless, he will remain alive in our hearts.

Recommend 0

Parvez

Mar 20, 2014 02:25pm

A great author....a good man......and a friend of Pakistan.

Recommend 0

M. Emad

Mar 20, 2014 02:33pm

Indian writer, editor and translator Khushwant Singh was a 'pro-Pakistani' writer.

Recommend 0

Karachi Wala

Mar 20, 2014 03:15pm

Recently read his Death at My Doorstep. Obituaries of some of very famous and some less famous. Very interesting and full of a Sardar's humor. RIP

Recommend 0

AdHawk

Mar 20, 2014 04:05pm

May you rest in peace, sir.

Recommend 0

Jehangir

Mar 20, 2014 04:08pm

A man who through his writings brought a great sense of equilibrium to interpretation of history, religious beliefs, current affairs. May his soul reat in eternal peace.

Recommend 0

cyrus

Mar 20, 2014 04:19pm

RIP Khushwant Singh. I wont call it a loss rather feel blessed enjoying his writings. "A Train to Pakistan" was a marvel indeed. He had the best skill of Cinematography. When I finished that book, I was feeling as If I had watched the movie. Great Writer. Thanks Khushwant for your precious writings

Recommend 0

Desi Surfie

Mar 20, 2014 06:04pm

Even though often He come across as sassy Sardar, fond of good Whisky And Fine Women ......one of his notable writings"Portrait of Lady"where He talks about his Grandmother is one of a gem.

Recommend 0

Ahmed

Mar 20, 2014 06:11pm

That is how a truthful man lived and would continue living among us.

Recommend 0

Ahmed Saeed

Mar 20, 2014 07:07pm

We love you Khushwant, you will remain in our prayers.

Recommend 0

qamber ali

Mar 20, 2014 07:09pm

RIP, a good story teller, enjoyed reading

Recommend 0

Jaspal

Mar 20, 2014 07:11pm

Indeed an author of the century. May his soul rest in peace.

Recommend 0

Nauman Afzal

Mar 20, 2014 07:23pm

A man of letters, a man with a sense of humor, witty, sometimes nasty, straight forward, sensible, awesome man. Will miss you.

Recommend 0

skeptic

Mar 20, 2014 11:15pm

Such sad news.His humor crossed ages and was as relevant to my father as he was to me.I am sure had he known he would have missed his century by 1,he would have written a hilarious piece on it.He spread laughter and joy God bless his soul.

Recommend 0

RHS

Mar 21, 2014 03:01am

Khushwant Singh missed his century, but a very fine innings Sir... His "Train To Pakistan" has permanently returned

Recommend 0

Saleem ur rehman

Mar 21, 2014 07:29am

Khush raho serdar jee...idher b or udher b

Recommend 0

NASAH (USA)

Mar 22, 2014 12:20am

A truly secular Indian -- a bridge between Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs -- a farsighted visionary among the myopics.

Recommend 0

Mr.T

Mar 22, 2014 12:05pm

I like to share this, in my teens he visiting Pakistan, and there's some show maybe on Stn or PTV, he said one thing that, Kia Mohammad sirf musalmano ka hai, wo jitna tumhara hai utna hee hamara hai... Good Man RiP...

Recommend 0