Mumbai: Abdul Rehman Siddiqui, a stalwart of Urdu journalism with a career spanning 45 years, passed away on Friday around 6 pm at the age of 64.

The funeral prayer and burial are scheduled for Saturday, September 2, in Mumbra, following the Asr prayer at MM Valley Cemetery.

Earlier that morning, he had left his residence in Mumbra to visit the press club, and subsequently, the Urdu News office. During a stop at the Daily Hindustan office to reconnect with old colleagues, he suddenly fainted and lost consciousness. Doctors conducted a medical examination, confirming his demise.

Remarkably, his journalistic journey began in 1982 with the Urdu daily Hindustan in Mumbai, and on the day of his passing, he found himself back at the same office.

He is survived by his widow, son Ziaur Rehman Siddiqui, and daughter-in-law.

Abdul Rehman Siddiqui's career commenced with the daily newspaper 'Hindustan' before taking him to Kanpur and 'Siasat Jadeed.' He contributed to several prominent newspapers across the country, including Faisal Jadeed of Delhi. He began as a translator for Daily Hindustan in Mumbai and later worked for the daily Inquilab under the editorship of Riyaz Ahmed Khan.

For 14 years, he served as the Executive Editor at the Daily Urdu Times, working under the newspaper's Managing Editor, the late Moin Ahmed, and played a pivotal role in its success. In recent times, he was associated with the daily Mumbai Urdu News, serving as its News Editor.

His contributions to Hindi newspapers were also notable, and he received recognition for his journalistic services, including an award from the Maharashtra State Urdu Sahitya Academy. Various organizations also honored him for his dedicated service.

Born on August 15, 1961, in Kanpur, he received his primary education from an Islamic madrasa before pursuing modern education and a journalism course. The late Siddiqui was proficient in Urdu Hindi, Sanskrit, Persian, and English languages. Throughout his career, he mentored aspiring journalists and nurtured their writing abilities.

Described as a warm-hearted, unassuming, and modest individual, he was known for the seriousness and nobility of his character. Siddiqui had a passion for reading books, often immersing himself in studies while traveling. His editorials and articles were known for their bold yet unsentimental approach. His passing leaves a significant void in the media landscape of Mumbai, Kanpur, and Delhi.

Numerous journalists and media professionals have expressed profound sorrow over his demise, offering condolences to his family and praying for his forgiveness. May Allah grant the departed soul a high place in Jannat ul-Firdous and grant patience to his family.