Journalist Raees Ahmed Honored with Maharashtra Urdu Sahitya Academy Award, Solapur Award and a Memorable Meeting with Shah Rukh Khan — A Defining Moment in His Journalistic Journey
- MimTimes मिम टाइम्स م ٹائمز
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
09 October 2025
Mumbai:A well-known name in the world of Urdu journalism, Raees Ahmed Ansari began his journalistic journey in the year 2000 purely out of passion. In the early days, he contributed letters and small reports to various Hindi newspapers, including Navbharat Times. His formal career in journalism started with a Hindi Dopher daily. Since he also managed his own business at the time, he initially worked as a part-time journalist.
A major turning point in his career came when Urdu Times launched a Hindi edition titled Mumbai Times, where Raees Ahmed was assigned to crime reporting. However, when the publication was discontinued, his proficiency in Urdu earned him a place in the Urdu Times Urdu edition.
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Later, after his business slowed down, Raees Ahmed decided to take up journalism as a full-time profession. He then joined Inquilab (Mid-Day), where he worked as a crime reporter for two years. Unfortunately, during the global recession, he was among those who were laid off as part of staff reductions.
He soon rejoined Urdu Times, where he was given the responsibility of covering the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). After some time, he joined Mumbai Urdu News, where he initially continued BMC coverage and later took charge of Mantralaya (the Maharashtra Secretariat) reporting.
Today, Raees Ahmed Ansari serves as a senior political reporter, covering both the Municipal Corporation and Mantralaya with dedication, accuracy, and professionalism.
In recognition of his long and distinguished contribution to Urdu journalism, he was honored by the Maharashtra Urdu Sahitya Academy — a proud acknowledgment of his significant role and consistent service in the field of Urdu media.
In 2024, he was also felicitated with a special award in Solapur. Although he had received numerous awards earlier at political and journalistic events, this one holds special significance for him. As Raees Ahmed recalls:
“No one in Solapur personally knew me, yet they honored me purely on the basis of the quality and impartiality of my reporting. That’s what gives this award its true value.”
He received this honor from the Solapur District Marathi Patrakar Sangh, in memory of the late Abdul Latif Nalamandu. The award, titled ‘Adarsh Patrakar Sanman Patra 2024’, was presented to him in recognition of his outstanding reporting from both Mantralaya and the BMC.
One of the most memorable highlights of Raees Ahmed Ansari’s journalistic career was his meeting and interview with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Although the interview was originally scheduled for just five minutes, the conversation, held in a warm and friendly atmosphere, continued for ten minutes — a reflection of Shah Rukh Khan’s humility and Raees Ahmed’s professional grace.
During the meeting, Raees Ahmed introduced his son Abdul Rehman to Shah Rukh Khan, saying:
“This is my son, Abdul Rehman.”
To which Shah Rukh Khan smiled and replied:
“My real name is also Abdul Rehman!”
This short exchange became one of the most memorable and cherished moments of Raees Ahmed’s journalistic life.
Today, Raees Ahmed Ansari is recognized as a respected and dedicated journalist whose journey — from passion to perseverance, and from commitment to achievement — stands as an inspiring example for the new generation of reporters.
