Veteran actor Anupam Kher shared a deeply moving note mourning the passing of his close friend, noted defence analyst Maroof Raza, who passed away on February 26, 2026, at the age of 66 after a prolonged battle with cancer. Alongside a dignified black-and-white portrait, Kher’s heartfelt words reflected not only personal grief but also national loss, remembering Raza as a pioneering voice in India’s national security discourse.
Using his full message, Anupam Kher wrote: “Deeply saddened to hear that #MaroofRaza is no more. A dear friend. A brave soul. And one of the pioneering voices in India’s national security discourse. Maroof fought a long and dignified battle with cancer. Even in illness, he carried himself with courage and grace. The last time I spoke to him. He was his warm, affectionate self — curious, sharp, and generous with his thoughts. That was Maroof. In the world of national security journalism, he was a trailblazer. I always listened carefully whenever he spoke on television — because he spoke with knowledge, conviction, and responsibility. His insights were never loud, but always powerful. His voice will be missed. His intellect will be missed. But most of all, his warmth will be missed. Rest in peace, Maroof Bhai! You fought bravely till the end. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti.”
Maroof Raza was more than a familiar television face. A retired Indian Army Major, he became one of the country’s most respected strategic affairs commentators. Known for his calm, measured analysis on matters of national security and Indo-Pak relations, Raza stood apart in a media landscape often driven by sensationalism. His words carried authority not because they were loud, but because they were informed, balanced, and rooted in experience.
Over the years, he authored significant works including The War That Never Was, helping shape public understanding of complex military and geopolitical realities. Whether on primetime debates or through his writings, Raza consistently emphasized responsibility in discourse — a quality that earned him admiration across political and ideological lines.
Tributes have poured in from across the nation, including condolences from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflecting the wide respect he commanded. For many viewers, he was the steady voice explaining turbulent headlines; for colleagues and friends like Anupam Kher, he was warmth, wisdom, and quiet strength personified.
As India bids farewell to one of its most credible defence commentators, the void feels deeply personal and profoundly public. Maroof Raza’s legacy will endure in the standards he set for national security journalism — thoughtful, composed, and guided by integrity.