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Upendrra Rai pays humble tribute to ‘Saharasri’ with special film unveiling unseen aspects
Mumbai: Sahara India Group founder Subrata Roy Sahara, bid farewell to the world at the age of 75 on November 14. As the news of Subrata Roy’s demise spread, a wave of mourning swept through the business world. Popularly known as ‘Saharasri,’ Sahara initiated his business journey from Gorakhpur, laying the foundation of ‘Sahara India Pariwar’, which later illuminated the lives of millions of families. In memory of Saharasri, a film based on his life will be aired on Bharat Express News channel on November 23 at 8 PM, followed by a humble tribute.
Bharat Express chairman Upendrra Rai was closely associated with Saharasri. Upon hearing the news of Saharasri’s demise, Rai was deeply moved. While paying tribute to Saharasri, Rai expressed, “The untimely passing of Sahara Shri felt like a disruption to the natural rhythm of life. His was a multifaceted persona that drew both admirers and critics. The metamorphosis from Chandan to Subrata Roy, the evolution of Subrata Roy into Subrata Roy Sahara, and ultimately the emergence of Sahara Shri is a singular and emotionally poignant journey. I consider it my duty to unveil the real man behind the regal and glamorous image—a person untouched by the surrounding glitterati, leading a life of detachment akin to that of a hermit. Depth of Love and passion being his two greatest traits often misunderstood by some. I had the good fortune of conversing with Sahara Shri just 120 hours before his demise. It was surprising to witness how unfazed he was by the inevitability of death even at this stage. Rarely have I encountered anyone accepting this ultimate reality of life with such sangfroid. This movie, scheduled to be broadcast on Bharat Express, serves as a humble tribute from both myself and the Bharat Express News Network to the departed soul.”
After laying the foundation of ‘Sahara India Pariwar’, Roy elevated it to great heights. Through Sahara India, the company reached every household in the country, and Saharasri’s influence extended beyond the borders of the nation, even reaching London. The stature of ‘Saharasri’ was such that many dignitaries from politics to Bollywood and the sports world frequented his presence. Many of them shared a good friendship with him. At one time, a job in Sahara Group was seen as akin to a government job. People dreamed of being associated with this company.
Now Saharasri is no more, but as long as he was in this world, he always remained close to his admirers. From Bihar to Bengal, Gorakhpur to Lucknow, and London—Saharasri’s journey continued incessantly, establishing new milestones. He received numerous awards and honors for his unparalleled achievements as Saharasri.
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Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
