Rare pics: Remembering Khushwant Singh

Noted author and journalist Khushwant Singh, one of the finest Indian writers in English in contemporary times and recipient of Padma Vibhushan, died in Delhi at the age of 99 on Thursday (March 20).
Seen here with Sadhya Delhvi. (Express archive photo)

The veteran writer, who was ill and had faded from public life, passed away "very, very peacefully", his son Rahul Singh, also a journalists aid on his demise. (Express Archive)

Son of Sir Sobha Singh, a civil contractor and a prominent builder of Lutyens' Delhi, Khushwant Singh lived in Sujan Singh Park built by his father where he breathed his last.
He led a very full life, Rahul said, adding, he had some breathing problems but was mentally alert till the end.

In this picture Ramnath Goenka, Khushwant Singh, Kuldip Nayyar at a protest. (Express archive photo)

As a journalist he had edited the now defunct Illustrated Weekly of India (1979-1980) and later the Hindustan Times (1980-83). His weekly column 'With Malice Towards One and All' was very popular and was syndicated in many dailies.

In this picture, former Chief Minister of Haryana Devi Lal with Khushwant Singh.
Khushwant Singh was presented Amar Shaheed Lala Jagat Narain Award by Devi Lal on December 19, 1988. (Express archive photo)

He was also founder-editor of Yojana magazine (1951-1953). Khushwant Singh, an outstanding novelist and a forthright political commentator, was nominated to Rajya Sabha by the government under late Indira Gandhi. He was a Member of Parliament from 1980 to 1986.

In this pic, President R Venkataraman with Khushwant Singh at the inauguration of the National Book week at FICCI auditorium on February 6, 1989. (Express archive photo)

He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1974 but returned the decoration in 1984 in protest against the storming of the Golden Temple in Amritsar by the Army. In 2007, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India. (Express Archive Photo)

Known for his humour, Singh took lots of digs at his community. His works ranged from political commentary and contemporary satire to outstanding translations of Sikh religious texts, Urdu poetry and a number of novels.

Seen here Khushwant Singh with Mira Markovia at her book release function. (Express archive photo)

Born in 1915 in Hadali (now in Pakistan), Khushwant Singh had done his schooling at Modern School in Delhi and later studied at St Stephen's College here before moving to the Government College in Lahore. He also studied at King's College in Cambridge University.

Khushwant Singh with Tennis player Leander Paes on November 10, 1994. (Express archive photo)

He had married Kawal Malik in 1939 and has son Rahul and daughter Mala. His wife had died in 2001.

Khushwant Singh with his wife Kawal Malik. (Express archive photo)

He practiced law at the Lahore High Court for several years before joining the Ministry of External Affairs in 1947.

Khushwant Singh with his book which was a compilation of essays and profiles on why he supported the emergency.. (Express archive photo)