In a heartbreaking loss for India’s defense commentariat, Maroof Raza, renowned ex-army officer and security analyst, succumbed to cancer on February 26 at age 67. The news stunned peers and admirers alike.
Bollywood stalwart Anupam Kher, who shared a longstanding friendship with Raza, posted an emotional tribute on X. Accompanying a photo was a heartfelt message recounting their final meeting, where Raza’s affable spirit shone through despite his health struggles.
‘Deeply saddened by Maroof Raza’s demise. He fought cancer with grace and courage. In our last chat, he was his usual warm, inquisitive self—sharp and open with his thoughts,’ Kher shared. He lauded Raza as a pioneer in security journalism, whose TV appearances blended expertise, belief, and accountability.
‘His voice was never shrill but always resonated deeply. His warmth is what we’ll miss the most,’ Kher noted, offering prayers for the bereaved family.
A Mayo College Ajmer graduate and ex-school captain from the 1975 batch, Raza was a debate heavyweight on national security, anti-terror strategies, Indo-Pak dynamics, and border disputes. His global stature was affirmed by fellowships at prestigious institutions: Centre for Policy Research in Delhi, Henry L. Stimson Center in Washington, and King’s College London’s War Studies.
Raza’s analytical prowess and measured commentary shaped public understanding of complex defense issues. As tributes flood in, his legacy as a courageous voice for India’s security endures. The nation bids farewell to a true intellectual warrior.