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GreenI heard the news this morning from a mutual friend in London. Our friend Sanjay Singh was unexpectedly, inexplicably gone. Sanjay left numerous friends in the media and communications industry; we clamored to know the details of this mysterious tragedy. An autopsy is underway, and in an attempt to piece together the last days of his life, Sanjay’s family is trying to find anyone who was in touch with or met Sanjay on or after August 13.
Sanjay Singh, ABC News
If we are fortunate, some of us will encounter a generous and life affirming bon vivant like Sanjay whose very presence elevates and enhances our lives. Ever diplomatic, cultured and discreet, Sanjay exuded a positive bonhomie even under stress. He had a gift for making everyone he met feel singled out and special. It seemed that everything in life piqued Sanjay’s interest–his active social life included family, friends, cultural activities and international travel.
Since that first day in graduate school at the Boston University College of Communication, Sanjay and I became fast friends and allies. Our friendship circle included interesting and dynamic people from around the world: Kiran Prasad from London, Reiko Kuneida from Tokyo and Ruth Kamar from Jerusalem among them. Sanjay himself divided his time between Boston, London and New Delhi.
This was an exciting time to be at COM: ours was the very first class at BU to study the new discipline of interactive multimedia, though Sanjay and I kept our feet in both worlds with our studies in broadcast news. Our instructors included Bill Lord, the formidable former Vice President of ABC News and ABC News Interactive who was the Emmy Award-winning executive producer of World News Tonight with Peter Jennings and the creator of Nightline with Ted Koppel.
Some of Sanjay's friends at the Boston University College of Communication ― ready to conquer the media and communications world.
Eventually, Sanjay and I would find ourselves at CNN International in Atlanta and at ABC News in New York City, though not at the same time. Sanjay had worked at the BBC in England before attending grad school. He was very savvy and knowledgeable about the news industry. Sanjay’s mentoring was invaluable when I first started out, and his encouragement meant a great deal to me in an often tough business: he was one of the most empathetic and chivalrous people I have ever known. Over time, I left journalism for a self-defined path as a post-modern aesthete with my own website/blog, but Sanjay remained one of my strongest conduits to the life in broadcast news I left behind. When I returned to Boston, I would sometimes be surprised and delighted to hear Sanjay’s voice-over on a package from CNN. Long after graduation, we would meet up for food and fellowship in Manhattan.
Sanjay in grad school.
In many ways, Strange Tango: Life as Art was inspired by people like my friend Sanjay, who appreciate and celebrate the meaningfulness of life in the artful details of daily existence. Each year, a Christmas card would arrive with Sanjay’s highly personalized and sentimental greetings. I recall receiving an elaborate invitation to his traditional Indian wedding in New Delhi. I could not attend, to my regret, though I brought a gift for Sanjay and his bride when I met them at a charming cafe in Manhattan that served Asian food alongside a concrete fishbowl in the floor with goldfish swimming about: Sanjay could always find the trendiest novelties. But while Sanjay and I enjoyed being part of the fashionable café society, in the newsroom he was a skilled and consummate professional as both writer and producer. Sanjay loved the 24/7 media and social environment of Manhattan, and he was passionate about television news.
With this tribute, I celebrate my friend’s life. Sanjay Singh was taken from us too soon, but he has left an indelible mark on everyone whose life he touched with his grace, humor and humanity.
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Updates
Memorial services are being held Boston and New York City this month, with more commemorative events to come.
Saturday, August 27, at 5:00 pm, in Newton Highlands, MA.
Wednesday, August 31, at a private apartment in NYC; send your email address to Naomi Castillo or Geoff Schwartz if you would like an evite.
Saturday, September 17, at 3:00 p.m., in London.
Message from Sanjay Singh’s mother, Gita.
“Dear friends of Sanjay,
Thank you for all your messages of sympathy and heartfelt thoughts.
We are holding a prayer and memorial service for Sanjay in London, where he grew up, on Saturday, the 17th of September at 3pm. All are welcome.”
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Hello Audrey,
Thank for writing this tribute to our friend Sanjay. I share your feelings, but am still too shocked to digest the fact that he has passed on. I found out by chance this afternoon when I heard his family was looking for him. I thought he was just missing or had left suddenly on an assignment or vacation. Then mutual friend Annie Singh broke the tragic news.
Sanjay and I met in 1999 at a journalism conference in NYC when he heard my British accent. We have been friends ever since! I gave the speech at his engagement party in NYC and last heard from him at Christmas with his annual hand-written, Christmas card. (Terribly English and much appreciated). I live in London and New York, and am in New York now. As we were not linked on Facebook, I have been trying to reach his mother indirectly. Sanjay’s family must be devastated.
I wonder if Sanjay’s gruelling night shift at ABC TV with stints at Bloomberg TV took their toll, because he was diabetic, too. Poor dear Sanjay, he will be missed by very many people…
Very sadly, Sheila
Thank you for taking the time to write this elaborate tribute to Sanjay. I was one of his friends from MoMA Junior Associates group
Best,
Emmanuelle
I just want to say that Sanjay was such a beautiful person, wonderful to talk to, and very wise I agree. Everytime we would meet at an event, we would always chat about different topics. This is very sad news, a great loss, and I hope Sanjay’s family and friends can find eventual peace. He will be missed.
Sheila, Emmanuelle and Barbara,
Thank you for commenting. Many of Sanjay’s friends in his extended global family are actively engaged in helping his mother and relatives to achieve closure. Right now, so many of us are still processing our grief.
Sanjay was one-of-a-kind, and our dear friend’s passing leaves a giant void. I will continue to update Sanjay’s community of friends and colleagues through Strange Tango: Life as Art and Facebook.
Be well, Audrey
i am in shock still. just awoke this morning to the news. having cancer made me realize how fragile life is, how quickly it comes and goes. and, of course, that death is only sad for those of us left behind. for the traveler, it’s a liberation. i know sanjay is still smiling as he passes.
Sanjay indeed was a good spirit in the world. He could always find a positive comment in difficult situations. I met Sanjay as he went to many art events in New York City. He had a strong interest in the arts. I know he had many friends and will me missed greatly. May his zest for life spread through all his friends like the petals of a flower falling and drifting. Good buy Sanjay on your new journey. Your friend Russel Nelson
My heart is with his family. Sanjay was our dearest friend and we all love and respect him. He had a great soul and big heart. He was always a gentelman. I am still in unbelief that he is gone. I hope the other world will be much better for him.
Sanjay, we will miss you!!!
With sorrow,
Roxana and JT group
Oh Audrey, I was just thinking how special Sanjay was but that’s not enough! You said it perfectly: he was one-of-a-kind and leaves a giant void. Thank you so much for this tribute!
This is also a sobering reminder for me that while life on this earth may be fleeting, friends are forever and kindness is never ever ever forgotten.
I am shocked and sorry to hear of this very sad news. I have only known Sanjay for a short time but always found him warm and always with a positive thing to say.
It was a privilege to meet him on many gatherings and I, along with others, will miss him very much. Sincere condolences at this tragic time.
HHe was a very warm and beautiful spirit, we will miss you sanjay!
Claudeen Benoit
Sanjay was a dear, beloved friend of mine. I am shattered at his passing.
I also have joy at the fond recollection of so many deep, heartfelt conversations, joyous celebrations, and philosophical discussions.
If anyone would care to talk, I am at +1-310-382-7852