Nari Hira: Industry mourns demise of Stardust founder
Nari Hira was the founder of Magna Publishing Co and the mind behind India's iconic magazines like Stardust, Health, Society, and Savvy
Nari Hira, the owner of Magna Publishing that owns publications like Stardust, Savvy, Showtime, Society and Health, passed away on August 23.
“It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of his passing. A pioneer in print media, a family-man and father beyond compare, he leaves us behind, heartbroken in his absence,” said the family’s official statement about his demise.
Hira started his career in an ad agency, later moving on to opening a publishing business named Magna Publishing. In 1971, he launched Stardust, India’s iconic magazine centred on its glitzy film industry. Hira also owned a film production company, Magna Films.
Hira was an iconic figure in the world of Bollywood for over 50 years and is credited with impacting film journalism in India.
Industry bigwigs have expressed their grief and shock at Hira's demise:
Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nari Hira ji. A true gentleman, a karma yogi with an admirable attitude. We had special regard for each other and I have had the honour of appearing many times on the cover pages of his magazines like Stardust and Society. The industry… pic.twitter.com/NNCq4QET6F
— Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) August 24, 2024
Nari Hira owned an ad agency Creative Unit situated at Kalaghoda, near Khyber Restaurant.
— saurabh shah ?? (@hisaurabhshah) August 24, 2024
In 1971 he launched a film magazine which became sensational among film world as well as the readers. Stardust. Its founding editor was an inexperienced journalist who was actually a… pic.twitter.com/6JaZJ8lVHe
Farewell, Boss.... pic.twitter.com/euIC4ne1S3
— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) August 24, 2024
RIP Nari Hira,the genius of Indian publishing.The magazine revolution began when he launched Stardust.He broke every convention of film coverage & then created a magazine empire based on those principles;be sharp,be blunt but write well & make it look good
— vir sanghvi (@virsanghvi) August 24, 2024
I will miss him pic.twitter.com/KgJ6rfluk8
https://t.co/N7YICsyqKj pic.twitter.com/TWZs4lZISs
— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) August 24, 2024
Rest in peace, Nari Hira sir. ?? You were the pioneer of film news, a true visionary. Thank you for the dreams and inspiration. Honored to have met you. #RIPNariHira #FilmNewsPioneer #Visionary #Legend #Inspiration pic.twitter.com/t5dKZZg12d
— Annand Kumaar (@iamanandkr) August 24, 2024
Nari Hira is no more. We don’t have such bold publishers now.
— Sheela Bhatt शीला भट्ट (@sheela2010) August 24, 2024
Mischievous sometimes but honest, always. Stardust, Showtime, Savvy and Society magazines influenced youth of 80s, gave platform to many writers and journalists. pic.twitter.com/se9EDX4ZYm
