The Hindu : New Delhi News : Tributes paid to M. Shamim

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Monday, Sep 10, 2007
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New Delhi

Tributes paid to M. Shamim

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Rich tributes were paid to eminent film critic and political affairs journalist M. Shamim at a condolence meeting organised by the Press Club of India here on Sunday.

A senior member of PCI, Mr. Shamim was fondly remembered by his colleagues and friends who narrated anecdotes from their association.

PCI president Rahul Jalali said Mr. Shamim’s name was synonymous with a form of journalism that was fast disappearing. “He will be sorely missed by journalists as well as the film fraternity,” he added.

Recalling his warm association with Mr. Shamim, senior journalist Yogendra Bali said: “I will remember him as a warrior who always fought for issues of public interest and upheld the highest journalistic values.”

“During the initial days of our struggle we spent many years living together and made the Press Club of India almost a second home. I remember that the whole of Bollywood used to be scared of him because he never spared anyone in his film reviews if they deserved it,” he added.

Lauding his numerous qualities as a person and as a journalist, Mr. Bali also urged young reporters to follow Mr. Shamim’s footsteps and tread the path less travelled.

‘A gentleman’

“I had the privilege of working with him for many years and I learnt that he was not just a fine mentor but also a fine gentleman. When I returned to office at 11-30 p.m. one day after covering the riots in the Walled City, he ordered me to eat first and then write my story,” said Ravi Bhatia, his former colleague.

“Being a perfectionist, he once asked a reporter to rewrite his copy six times till he was satisfied,” he added.

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