S A H Rizvi
Chief Of Bureau, New Delhi
The Times Kuwait
In the bustling lanes of Shahjehanabad, now Old Delhi, Shahid Siddiqui transformed rejection into a remarkable legacy. Despite being turned away by an English newspaper despite his stellar academic record, Shahid refused to be defeated. Instead, he revived his family’s Urdu newspaper, Nai Duniya, a publication rooted in his family’s rich literary heritage, once led by his widely respected father,
known for editing and publishing multiple Urdu magazines.
With a bold new format, incisive content, and striking headlines, Nai Duniya quickly gained traction. The 1973 Arab-Israel conflict proved a turning point, as Shahid’s fearless coverage and screaming headlines catapulted the newspaper to become the largest-selling Urdu tabloid.
His writings, fueled by the sting of rejection, resonated with readers, blending sharp political commentary with exclusive interviews of prominent politicians and academicians.
Shahid’s early political activism informed his incisive reportage, earning him connections across political spectrums without pledging allegiance to any single party. His fearless journalism led to notable controversies, including his arrest under the TADA Act for interviewing Khalistani separatist leader Jagjit Singh Chauhan. The journalist fraternity’s protests secured his release within fifteen days, further cementing his reputation.
Later, his close ties with Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who frequently visited his home, marked a significant chapter in his life.
Shahid’s political journey was as dynamic as his journalism. From serving as chief of the Congress Minority Cell to joining the Samajwadi Party which gave him space in Indian parliament as MP and later brief stints with BSP and Lok Dal, his career was a rollercoaster.
His 2012 expulsion from the Samajwadi Party for interviewing then-Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi—where Modi famously said, “Hang me if I am guilty” regarding the Gujarat riots—sparked nationwide debate.
Now, Shahid’s forthcoming book, I, Witness, promises to be a compelling chronicle of his front-row seat to India’s political upheavals. From Indira Gandhi’s Emergency to Narendra Modi’s polarizing politics, Shahid’s 400-page memoir captures his encounters with nearly every Indian Prime Minister and key events like Operation Blue Star and Indira Gandhi’s assassination.
Written in his signature flair, the book is poised to ignite fresh debates on India’s political landscape.
Set for release in New Delhi on August 20, 2025 — coincidentally the anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi’s 1990 assassination — ‘I, Witness’ is a testament to Shahid Siddiqui’s resilience, conviction, and unyielding pen.
This iconoclast’s journey from rejection to shaping public discourse proves that setbacks can fuel extraordinary legacies.
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