Veteran journalist Shailender Dhawan, 65, who served as Editor of The Free Press Journal for nearly two decades, has passed away. Known for his wit, calm leadership, and memorable headlines, Dhawan was deeply devoted to the publication he fondly called home.
Recently settled in Chandigarh following the retirement of his wife from the Reserve Bank, Dhawan remained a beloved figure in Mumbai’s newsroom circles. Friends and colleagues remember him as a gentle, thoughtful, and erudite editor whose presence left a lasting mark on everyone who worked with him.
News of his demise has come as a shock to those who knew him. Despite stepping away from the newsroom, Dhawan had often said he could have continued working for many more years. His wife, when informed of condolences from old colleagues, corrected a remark that his heart was in Mumbai by saying, “His heart was in FPJ.” Indeed, it was.
Each afternoon, Dhawan’s trusted aide, Koli, would drive him from his apartment in “Bank House,” nestled behind Mantralaya, to the FPJ House at Nariman Point. Even before stepping into the newsroom, Mr Dhawan — as he was respectfully called by all — would have already updated himself with the day’s news from across India and the world.
Before settling into his chair, he would, for reasons known only to him, squeeze a small toy placed on the window sill of his cabin, making a noise that became part of his daily ritual. The mystery of this simple act remains unsolved but fondly remembered.
I first met him many years ago in the old Times of India building, where he was working for The Economic Times. He was then a clean-shaven, handsome journalist, and young women in the newsroom would often vie for his attention. In later years, he sported a beard and turban but retained the same gentle charm and warmth that defined his personality.
Extremely soft-spoken, Dhawan never wore his knowledge on his sleeve. Dressed often in his Pathan suit, he possessed deep insights into politics, economics, and even Hindi film music.
He was celebrated for his clever and lively headlines that brought humour and freshness to the front page, making readers smile as they sipped their morning tea.
Once, during an evening editorial meeting, as the team discussed chess prodigy Gukesh’s victory over a Chinese rival, someone jokingly remarked that it was a “victory of sambar over chowmein.”
To everyone’s amusement, Dhawan used that very line as the next day’s headline a move that became the talk of newsrooms across the country.
Generous and composed even under pressure, Dhawan never allowed deadlines to disturb his calm. His warmth and hospitality drew former colleagues and journalists to his cabin, often just for a chat and a cup of ginger tea from Chayos.
He was admired for his patience, humility, and an unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence.
Shailender Dhawan’s passing marks the end of an era for The Free Press Journal. His leadership style, editorial brilliance, and kindness left an indelible imprint on those who worked alongside him.
Goodbye, Mr Dhawan. May Waheguru bless your soul and keep you in eternal peace.
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