Valmik Thapar: Cousin, critic, and wise counsel

HE WASN'T A POLITICIAN, BUT HE HAD AN UNERRING FEEL FOR WHAT WOULD ATTRACT ATTENTION. HE INSTINCTIVELY KNEW WHAT WOULD EXCITE CURIOSITY AND COULD EASILY DISTINGUISH IT FROM WHAT WAS OF INTEREST ONLY TO THE ELITES OF DELHI'S DRAWING ROOMS

- Karan Thapar

I have to admit I was surprised. I knew he was a celebrity. On the subject of tigers, he was a world authority. His 40 books and his BBC series, Land of the Tiger, were clear testimony. But the newspaper coverage of his death suggested a level of admiration and respect I had not anticipated. It proved he was considered a truly special person — in many ways, an icon.

Thus, Valmik Thapar's death revealed a legacy and a reputation his family had probably not appreciated. Perhaps even understood. Now, belatedly, we have realised the enormous impact he had as a conservationist and as an authority on tigers. He was the star of the present generation of our family.

In many ways, Valu, as we knew him, was like the tigers he loved. He was powerful and gruff. He was a man of few words but capable of large warm gestures. And his appearance was striking. Big and broad, with a most beguiling smile and large twinkling eyes. Valu's laugh could bring everything to a sudden halt before the room spontaneously laughed with him.