British-Indian Broadcasting Icon Mark Tully Dies at 87
Sir Mark Tully, a distinguished British-Indian broadcasting icon, passed away at the age of 87 in New Delhi on January 25, 2026. Born in Calcutta on October 24, 1935, Tully became a legendary figure in the subcontinent, particularly for his work as a journalist.
Career Milestones
Mark Tully joined the BBC in 1964, embarking on a three-decade-long career that made him a prominent voice in Indian journalism. He resigned in July 1994 following a dispute with then-BBC Director General John Birt, who aimed to restructure the organization.
Key Events Covered
- The Emergency of 1975
- The assassination of Indira Gandhi
- The India-Pakistan wars
- The 1984 Bhopal Gas tragedy
- Operation Blue Star
- The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi
- The destruction of the Babri Masjid
During these critical events, Tully served as a vital source of information for many Indians, who relied on their shortwave radios to hear him report the news. His ability to contextualize events formed a significant part of the national discourse.
Challenges as a Journalist
In 1992, Tully faced considerable danger while covering tensions in Ayodhya, where a mob threatened him, chanting “Death to Mark Tully.” He was eventually rescued by local officials and a Hindu priest.
Writings and Honors
Mark Tully authored nine books, beginning with “Amritsar: Mrs Gandhi’s Last Battle” in 1985. His final publication, “Upcountry Tales: Once Upon A Time In The Heart Of India,” was released in 2017. His accolades include being knighted in 2002 and receiving the Padma Bhushan in 2005, as well as the Padma Shri in 1992.
Contributions Beyond Journalism
Tully also contributed to documentaries for the BBC, such as “Great Railway Journeys: Karachi to The Khyber Pass.” He remained active in broadcasting until as recently as 2019, hosting the show “Something Understood” on BBC Radio 4.
Legacy
Mark Tully’s influence on Indian broadcasting is profound. His commitment to journalistic integrity and storytelling has inspired numerous journalists and audiences alike. Tully continued to reside in New Delhi after his retirement, sharing life with partner Gillian Wright, and both were known for their fluency in Hindi and other Indian languages.
His simple home in Nizamuddin East acted as his office, symbolizing his deep connection to India and the BBC. Tully’s passing marks a significant loss in the field of journalism, where he will be remembered as the “voice of India.”
