Namvar Singh, writer, poet, critic and one of contemporary Hindi literature's tallest figures, has died after a month-long illness, his family said on Wednesday. He was 92.
Singh died on Tuesday night at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
He had not been keeping well for more than a month and was on the ventilator for three weeks, his daughter Sameeksha told PTI.
"He died at 11.51 on Tuesday night," she said.
The last rites will be performed at 4 pm on Wednesday at the Lodhi Road crematorium, she added.
Singh gave Hindi literary criticism a new direction with his books such as "Chhayavaad", "Itihas Aur Alochana", "Kahaani Nayi Kahaani", "Kavita Ke Naye Pratimaan", "Dusri Parampara Ki Khoj"
Home Minister Rajnath Singh wrote, "Namvar Singhji's death is a personal loss for me. Despite ideological differences, he knew how to respect people. His death is a huge loss for Hindi literature and our society. My condolences to his family."
"Eminent critic of Hindi literature, Namvar Singhji is no longer with us. Humble tribute to the man who gave new direction and stature to criticism in Hindi literature."