Meet Delhi’s 6 mavericks, defying old age to pursue their passion

Building buildings and playing golf

KP Singh

Age: 93 | Profession: Builder

Despite his advanced age, KP Singh, the former Chairman of DLF Limited, continues to lead an active life, regularly visiting the office and playing golf. Widely recognised for his monumental contributions to Indian real estate, Singh introduced the concept of integrated townships, with DLF City in Gurgaon being a pioneering example. These developments offered housing, schools, hospitals, shopping malls, and offices, creating self-contained communities— revolutionary at the time.

Under his leadership, DLF expanded rapidly, transforming from a Delhi centric developer to a pan-India real estate giant. The company diversified into commercial, retail, and hospitality properties. Singh also led DLF’s landmark IPO in 2007, India’s largest at the time, which marked a new era for the real estate sector.

“Singh is a role model for all,” says Rajan Dhawan, a Chartered Accountant who has closely followed Singh’s career for decades. “Even now, he spends time in his office and offers valuable guidance.” Nikhil Jain, former CEO of Ramprastha Builders, recalls, “When I started my real estate company to sell farmland in Delhi NCR, I was inspired by his vision and leadership qualities.”

Singh’s daily routine includes office visits and golf, a testament to his enduring dynamism and passion.

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Guru Ji for everyone at DU

Ramdarash Mishra

Age: 101 | Profession: Teacher and Author

Professor Ramdarash Mishra, a towering figure in Hindi literature and academia, has maintained his association with Delhi University since 1964. A celebrated Hindi poet, novelist, prose writer, and critic, he won the 2021 Saraswati Samman for his poetry work Main Toh Yahan Hun. Prof Mishra, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday with students, family, and readers, taught at DU for nearly four decades.

Settling in Model Town in 1964, he became a central figure in Delhi’s literary society, completing landmark works such as Pak Gai Hai Dhoop, Khali Ghar, Phir Vahi Log, and Samay Devta. Known for his simplicity and saint-like lifestyle, Mishra continues to attend seminars and programmes in DU colleges. “He writes his compositions in beautiful handwriting, a reflection of his discipline,” says Professor Pratap Sehgal, a former DU teacher and one of his students.

“In his poetry, images of Indian public life are vividly captured. He is also the oldest living writer in the Hindi world today,” adds Sehgal. When asked about his future plans, Mishra says, “I have to read, write, teach, and meet people. Meeting young scholars gives me a lot of energy.”

Kotla, Cricket, Commentary

Ravi Chaturvedi

Age: 87 | Profession: Commentator, Author, and Teacher

From his DDA flat in Munirka, Ravi Chaturvedi keeps a close watch on the ongoing India-Australia cricket series while reflecting on his career, which began on February 7, 1964, at Delhi’s Kotla ground during an India-England Test match. Back then, he lived on Lodhi Road and reached the ground that morning in an autorickshaw.

Chaturvedi, who began as a teacher at Delhi University, transitioned into cricket commentary and has since provided live coverage of over 100 Test matches. He is also the author of more than 20 books on cricket.

Moving to Delhi from Kanpur as a child in the 1940s, he grew up in Kashmere Gate and witnessed the city’s transformation. “I have seen and travelled in trams, and I’ve watched Delhi evolve into a massive city,” he says.

Recalling his experiences, Chaturvedi describes the atmosphere during the first India-West Indies Test in 1948 and the first India-Pakistan Test in 1952. “When West Indies played, Delhiites were seeing Black players for the first time, while the India-Pakistan match carried historical weight. Yet, it was played in a sporting spirit.”

As for 2025, he plans to continue his passions: “Cricket, commentary, travelling, and reading.”

Academician who wears many hats

Riaz Umar

Age: 88 | Profession: Academician and Social Worker

Professor Riaz Umar began teaching commerce at Delhi College (Evening) in 1958, at just under 22 years of age. He spent 44 years at the college, including 17 years as Principal, overseeing its transition to Zakir Husain Delhi College and its relocation to Jawaharlal Nehru Marg.

A mentor to Delhi’s Punjabi Muslim community, Prof Umar laments the lack of interest in commerce among Muslim youth. “Commerce is essential for entrepreneurship,” he says. He also co-owns Marina Hotel in Connaught Place, where Nathuram Godse stayed before assassinating Mahatma Gandhi. “I feel ashamed that Godse was staying in our hotel,” he says.

Prof Umar remains connected to his heritage, living in his ancestral haveli in Chandni Chowk while working for the underprivileged. He is also president of Anjuman Vakile Kaum Punjabian and a founder of Crescent School in Darya Ganj. Despite modern shifts, the Punjabi Muslim community remains closely knit, with its own burial ground near Karol Bagh.

“Dates and years may change, but I cannot change myself. I will continue to work for Delhi’s deprived sections,” he says.

In the lap of the father of the nation

Tara Gandhi Bhattacharya

Age: 90 | Profession: Peace Activist

Tara Gandhi Bhattacharya, the granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, has dedicated her life to spreading Gandhian ideals. Spending her childhood at Kingsway Camp’s Harijan Sevak Sangh, she recalls, “We lived in a small but lovely home within the ashram.”

Later, her family moved to Connaught Place when her father, Devdas Gandhi, became the editor of Hindustan Times. “The Bombay Life Building, where the paper was published, still stands,” she notes. Her father’s duties during the freedom struggle deeply influenced her upbringing.

Now living in South Delhi, Bhattacharya continues to advocate for peace and is often seen at Rajghat and IIC. “The message of harmony and brotherhood is timeless,” she says.

Journalist who is eternal wanderer

Trilok Deep

Age: 89 | Profession: Journalist

Trilok Deep’s career began in the 1950s when he was a young writer in Raipur. Moving to Delhi, he joined the Rajya Sabha as an Information Officer, observing leaders like Nehru, Kriplani, and Lohia up close. He later became an editor at Dinman and Sunday Mail, covering elections across India and the US.

A regular at the Press Club, Deep has written extensively on politics, diplomacy, and society. Born in Rawalpindi, he has a deep connection to Pakistan, where he has travelled several times. “I’ve had the privilege of meeting luminaries like Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and Phanishwar Nath Renu,” he says.

At 89, Deep remains active, writing books and articles. “I am not going to sit idle,” he says.

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The writer is a Delhi-based senior journalist and author of two books ‘Gandhi’s Delhi: April 12, 1915-January 30, 1948 and Beyond’ and ‘Dilli Ka Pehla Pyar – Connaught Place