Abhay Mokashi’s name holds a special place in Indian journalism. For more than four decades, he worked as a senior political journalist and later as a respected professor of journalism. His career was marked by bold investigations, sharp editorials, and a commitment to truth that inspired generations of reporters.
Born in 1957 and passing away in May 2026, Mokashi’s journey was not just about writing news. It was about standing up against corruption, mentoring young journalists, and living a life filled with music, gardening, and teaching. His death at 68 years, just a day before his 69th birthday, left behind a legacy that continues to guide the media world.
Abhay Mokashi Age, Death, Wife, Family, BIO
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Abhay Mokashi |
| Date of Birth | 3 May 1957 |
| Place of Birth | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Age at Death | 68 years (died one day before his 69th birthday) |
| Date of Death | 2 May 2026 |
| Place of Death | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Cause of Death | Terminal-stage stomach cancer and non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession(s) | Senior Political Journalist, Columnist, Journalism Professor |
| Known For | Exposing the 1986 marks tampering scandal that led to the resignation of Maharashtra CM Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar |
| Major Newspapers Worked With | Mid-Day (Political Editor), The Indian Express, The Free Press Journal |
| Academic Roles | Professor at Harkisan Mehta Foundation Institute of Journalism and Mass Communication (HMFIJMA), Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC); Guest Lecturer at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) |
| Family | Father: Chief Passport Officer (Mumbai); Mother: Homemaker (both deceased); Two brothers; No sisters |
| Marital Status | Married to Saroj (deceased) |
| Children | None |
| Hobbies & Interests | Classical music, kitchen gardening |
| Notable Achievement | Investigative reporting that toppled a sitting Chief Minister in 1986 |
| Cremation | Borivali electric crematorium, Mumbai (3 May 2026) |
Early Life and Background
Abhay was born on 3 May 1957 in Mumbai. His father worked as the Chief Passport Officer in Mumbai, while his mother was a homemaker. Both parents passed away during his lifetime, leaving him with two brothers as his closest family. He grew up in a middle-class household where discipline and education were valued.
From a young age, Mokashi showed interest in reading and writing. He was curious about politics and society, often questioning the fairness of systems around him. This curiosity later shaped his career as an investigative journalist. His upbringing in Mumbai, a city full of contrasts, gave him exposure to both grassroots struggles and elite politics.
Personal Life and Family
Mokashi married Saroj, who sadly passed away a few years before him due to an illness linked to pigeons. At the time of his death, he was a widower. He had no children but was close to his two brothers.
Despite personal losses, Mokashi remained deeply connected to his passions. He loved classical music and often discussed ragas and musicians with friends. He also enjoyed kitchen gardening, spending time planting herbs and vegetables. These hobbies gave him peace away from the fast-paced world of journalism.
Career Beginnings in Journalism
Mokashi entered journalism in the early 1980s. He worked with leading newspapers such as Mid-Day, The Indian Express, and The Free Press Journal. His sharp reporting style and ability to dig deep into political scandals quickly made him stand out.
At Mid-Day, he rose to become the Political Editor, while at The Free Press Journal he contributed as a columnist. His writings were known for clarity, courage, and a refusal to bow down to political pressure. Colleagues often described him as demanding but fair, someone who pushed reporters to uphold ethics and accuracy.
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Landmark Investigation – The Marks Tempering Case
One of Mokashi’s most famous investigations came in 1986, when he exposed a marks tampering scandal involving Chandrakala, daughter of then Maharashtra Chief Minister Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar. Chandrakala, a postgraduate student in gynaecology at Seth GS Medical College, had her failing marks changed to passing grades.
Mokashi’s reports created a storm in Maharashtra politics. The scandal forced CM Nilangekar to resign after just 277 days in office, making him one of the shortest-serving chief ministers in the state’s history. This case established Mokashi as a fearless journalist who could hold even the most powerful accountable.
Academic Contributions
Abhay Mokashi was not only a journalist but also a teacher who shaped the future of media in India. He taught at the Harkisan Mehta Foundation Institute of Journalism and Mass Communication (HMFIJMA) and the Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC) in Mumbai.
Students admired him for his ability to connect theory with practice. He often reminded them that journalism was not about chasing headlines but about serving society. In 2019, he also gave lectures at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), where he spoke about investigative reporting and the importance of transparency in public life.
Writing Style and Editorial Approach
Mokashi’s writing style was sharp, clear, and fearless. He believed that journalism should be simple enough for every reader to understand, yet strong enough to challenge those in power. His editorials often carried a mix of facts, analysis, and moral questions, making readers think beyond the news.
As a columnist, he avoided sensationalism. Instead, he focused on accuracy and depth. He was known for his investigative approach, where he would spend weeks verifying documents and interviewing sources before publishing a story. This dedication earned him respect across the media industry. His work showed that journalism could be both powerful and responsible.
Health Struggles and Death
In his later years, Mokashi faced serious health challenges. He was diagnosed with terminal-stage stomach cancer and non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver. Despite his illness, he continued to teach and write, showing remarkable courage.
On 2 May 2026, he passed away in Mumbai, just one day before his 69th birthday. His cremation took place at the Borivali electric crematorium on 3 May 2026. The timing of his death, so close to his birthday, added a poignant note to his story. Friends, colleagues, and students remembered him not only for his journalism but also for his strength in facing life’s toughest battles.
Interesting Facts & Trivia
- His father worked as the Chief Passport Officer in Mumbai.
- His wife Saroj died due to an illness linked to pigeons.
- He loved classical music and often discussed ragas with friends.
- He enjoyed kitchen gardening, growing herbs and vegetables at home.
- His investigation in 1986 forced a Chief Minister to resign after only 277 days in office.
- He taught at HMFIJMA, XIC, and TISS, shaping future journalists.
- He passed away on 2 May 2026, a day before his 69th birthday.
- He was cremated at Borivali electric crematorium in Mumbai.
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