Pune: Veteran Journalist Pankaj Khelkar Passes Away: Aaj Tak and India Today Correspondent Mourned by the Media Industry
Pune, 12th March 2024: Pankaj Khelkar, a distinguished journalist from Pune and correspondent for ‘Aaj Tak’ and ‘India Today’ news channels, passed away on the night of Monday, March 12th, due to a sudden heart attack. Residing in Sindh Society at Pashan, Khelkar, aged 52, was admitted to a private hospital after experiencing a heart attack but, unfortunately, succumbed to the situation.
Hailing from Akola, Khelkar had been an integral part of ‘Aaj Tak’ in Pune for nearly two decades, contributing significantly to the field of journalism for a total of 20 to 22 years. During his commendable career, he served as the Associate Editor at India Today Group and also held a leadership role in the Pune Bureau.
Khelkar, with a background in journalism from Symbiosis, Pune, showcased his versatility by delving into various aspects of reporting, covering topics ranging from social and political issues to sports, environment, and crime. His extensive experience extended to Western Maharashtra and Marathwada, where he reported on diverse subjects.
Beyond his journalistic endeavours, Khelkar has been involved in film production since 1992, having produced documentaries and short films. His noteworthy contributions at ‘Aaj Tak’ included reporting on significant events such as the Telgi scam, the German bakery blast, the Anna Hazare movement for The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, and coverage during the challenging times of the Corona pandemic.
Pankaj Khelkar’s passion for writing, digital videography, and video editing showcased his multifaceted interests. His untimely demise is a great loss to the journalistic community, leaving behind a legacy of impactful reporting and dedication to his craft.
