In a tragic turn of events, Pankaj Khelkar, a veteran journalist and former correspondent for ‘Aaj Tak’ and ‘India Today’ in Pune, passed away on Monday night at the age of 52. The cause of his untimely demise was a heart attack, for which he was admitted to a private hospital in Pune’s Sindh Society at Pashan. Unfortunately, despite medical efforts, Khelkar could not be revived.
A native of Akola, Pankaj Khelkar had a long and illustrious career spanning over two decades in the field of journalism. With 18 years dedicated to ‘Aaj Tak,’ Khelkar recently resigned from the news channel and joined the Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT) in Pune. His contributions were not limited to reporting; he held the esteemed position of Associate Editor at the India Today Group and shouldered responsibilities as Pune Bureau Chief.
Khelkar’s journalistic journey took him to Western Maharashtra and Marathwada, where he reported on diverse topics. Beyond his work in news reporting, Khelkar possessed a rich background in film production since 1992, having produced documentaries and short films.
Throughout his career, Khelkar covered a wide spectrum of subjects, including social issues, politics, sports, environment, and crime. Some of his notable reportage includes coverage of the Telgi scam, reporting on the German bakery blast, documenting the Anna Hazare movement for the Lokpal Act, and providing insights during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Journalism graduate from Symbiosis, Pune, Khelkar’s interests extended beyond the written word. He was proficient in digital videography and video editing, showcasing his versatility in the evolving landscape of journalism.
Pankaj Khelkar’s sudden demise is a significant loss to the journalistic community, and his contributions will be remembered as a testament to his dedication and passion for reporting.
