There are some people who, when you think of them, you can’t help but smile. For me, Mr. Nari Hira, the legendary media baron behind iconic magazines like Stardust, Society, and Savvy, was one of those rare individuals. He wasn’t just my boss—he was a mentor, a confidant, and a man who turned work into an exhilarating adventure. Sumita Chakraborty, former Editor of Stardust and now the Editor-in-Chief of TheGlitz, recalls nostalgically about Mr. Nari Hira: “He was the captain of our Bollywood ship, steering us through choppy gossip-filled waters with a laugh and a wink, always knowing just when to throw in a little more spice to keep the voyage thrilling!”
A Masterclass in Media
Working with Mr. Hira as the editor of Stardust was nothing short of a masterclass in journalism. He didn’t just teach me the ropes of the magazine world; he taught me how to swing from them, Tarzan-style, into a jungle filled with the juiciest Bollywood gossip and the most glittering stars. It was a wild ride, and I loved every moment of it.
What set Mr. Nari Hira apart was his uncanny ability to mix business with pleasure. He was a man who knew the pulse of the public and had a sixth sense for what would sell. Yet, he did it all with a twinkle in his eye and a joke on his lips. Each time I sent him a batch of articles, they’d come back to me in an envelope with his handwritten grading—“Excellent,” “Good,” and my personal favorite, “Needs more spice!” That was his mantra: keep it spicy, keep it fun, keep it Stardust.
The King of Bollywood Gossip
Mr. Hira was the original gossip king, long before the internet made it a dime a dozen. He had a voracious appetite for stories—especially the ones that made your eyes widen and your heart skip a beat. He loved hearing about our shoots, the behind-the-scenes drama, the unscripted moments that made Bollywood what it is: a world where reel and real blur into one.
And he wasn’t just a passive listener. No, he was an active participant, offering his take on how we could make each story juicier, more tantalizing, more Stardust. “How about a little twist here?” he’d suggest, or, “Let’s dig deeper into that scandal.” He had a gift for making every story larger than life, much like the man himself.
The Eternal Life Force
Thinking back, it’s hard to believe that Mr. Hira is no longer with us. He was so full of life, so vibrant and energetic, that it seemed impossible for him to ever fade away. In my mind, he was like Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula—a figure who could defy time itself, living on through the stories and the magazine empire he built.
But Mr. Hira wasn’t a dark, brooding vampire; he was more like a charismatic storyteller, the kind you’d gather around a campfire to listen to, hanging onto every word. He had this infectious enthusiasm for life and work, and he passed that on to everyone around him. He made us believe that with the right amount of passion, creativity, and yes, a little bit of spice, we could achieve anything.
A Legend Bigger Than Any Other Legend
Though Mr. Nari Hira is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in every issue of Stardust, Society, Savvy, and the countless other publications he nurtured. His impact on the Indian media landscape is immeasurable, and those of us who had the privilege to work with him carry a piece of his spirit with us.
For me, working with Mr. Nari Hira wasn’t just a job—it was an unforgettable experience, a journey filled with laughter, learning, and a whole lot of fun. He was a man who made the impossible seem possible, who turned every ordinary day into an extraordinary adventure. And though he may not be physically here, I know that in some way, he’ll always be around—guiding us, inspiring us, and yes, reminding us to keep it spicy.
Thank you, Mr. Nari Hira, for the stories, the lessons, and the memories. It was an honour and a priviledge working for you! You may be gone, but in our hearts and in the pages of the magazines you created, you will live on forever.
