Veteran cricket journalist Raju Bharatan passes away at 86

MUMBAI: Veteran cricket journalist and an expert on film music Raju Bharatan died following a prolonged illness here on Friday.

He was 86 and is survived by his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.

Bharatan worked with “The Illustrated Weekly of India” for 42 years.

He also directed “The Victory Story” (1974), the first fulllength cricket documentary for Films Division.

The author of six books, Bharatan first penned “Rivals in the Sun: A survey of the 1952 tour of England” (1952), followed by “Indian Cricket—the Vital Phase” (1977).

Bharatan also wrote the biographies of Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle and noted music director Naushad.

Twitter was flooded with condolences for the veteran cricket journalist .

Former India spinner Bishan Singh Bedi tweeted, “Raju Bharatan of Illustrated Weekly is no more. He reported on Crkt & Films with equal elan & commitment. RIP Raju!.”

Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle wrote: “Undiluted lover of our game. Those issues Clayton talks of played a part in seeding my love for cricket. Thank you Raju Bharatan.”

“One of India’s finest cricket and music writers Raju Bharatan, 86, is no more. Those cricket Illustrated Weekly of India issues which he edited were nothing short of brilliant. Covered India’s 1952 tour of England as a teenager. Rest in peace, sir,” tweeted one user.

Another tweet read: “Sad to hear of Raju Bharatan’s passing. Prolific writer on films, music and cricket. Would write a very popular column on film nostalgia for Mid Day and of course various other publications.”

“RIP Raju. His writing on cricket and films is still remembered and respected by two generations,” read another tweet.