Remembering Sir Mark Tully: The BBC's Voice of India

Tue Feb 03 2026 15:54:36 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Sir Mark Tully, a legendary broadcaster known for bringing India to life through his journalism, has passed away at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable storytelling.

Sir Mark Tully, famed for his extensive reporting from India for the BBC, died at 90. Known as the 'Voice of India', he reported on key events including riots, wars, and cultural shifts. Born in Kolkata in 1935, Tully became a beloved figure in Indian journalism, receiving honors from both Indian and British governments. His insights were vital during turbulent times in India's history, and he championed secular values in a diverse nation.

The broadcaster and journalist Sir Mark Tully - for many years known as the BBC's voice of India - has died at the age of 90.

For decades, the rich, warm tones of Sir Mark were familiar to BBC audiences in Britain and around the world - a much-admired foreign correspondent and respected reporter and commentator on India. He covered war, famine, riots and assassinations, the Bhopal gas tragedy and the Indian army's storming of the Sikh Golden Temple.

In the small north Indian city of Ayodhya in 1992, he faced a moment of real peril. He witnessed a huge crowd of Hindu hardliners tear down an ancient mosque, and was threatened by some in the mob, who chanted Death to Mark Tully. He was locked in a room for several hours before being rescued by a local official and a Hindu priest.

The demolition provoked the worst religious violence in India for many decades. Years later, he described it as the gravest setback to secularism since independence in 1947.

Jonathan Munro, Interim CEO of BBC News and Current Affairs, commented on Tully's passing, stating, As one of the pioneers of foreign correspondents, Sir Mark opened India to the world through his reporting, bringing the vibrancy and diversity of the country to audiences in the UK and around the world. He was a joy to speak with and will be greatly missed.

Born in Kolkata in 1935, Tully was a child of the British Raj. He spent a major part of his career in India, eventually becoming fluent in Hindi, which garnered him affectionate respect from locals.

Throughout his life, Sir Mark performed a balancing act; being English but considering India his home. He began his BBC career in 1965 and became a notable figure in covering significant regional stories, including the birth of Bangladesh and the tumultuous political landscape of South Asia.

Sir Mark was awarded India's Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan and was knighted in 2002 in Britain. He continued his work and passion for journalism until the end, showcasing the narrative of India while advocating for its secular fabric.