He was born in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, on 12th July 1928, was son of a UP government school teacher, the eldest one among four brothers. He was all along a brilliant student. He was educated in Allahabad. During his university days, he was very popular in company of friends like Hemvati Bahuguna, T.N.Chaturvedi, and Gary Saxena.

After his University education, he was offered lectureship in Jaunpur, but he refused to joint there as he wanted to stay in Allahabad. For a brief time he was fascinated towards Indian Administrative Service and wanted to become part of it, but it was short lived. Journalism attracted him more than any other profession, perhaps he was destined for it. This profession was most suitable for him because of his being a great lover of books. Reading books used to run through his veins like quicksilver. He was a staunch believer of moving in higher society of intellectuals.

He joined The Leader in Allahabad as a reporter. Covered a Kumbh Mela of 1955 and wrote many lead stories. He moved to Delhi in late 1950s and worked as a freelancer for a few years before joining the Indian Express group in 1962 where he worked till1987.

His contribution to journalism included imparting training to many journalists. While in the Express’ desk he trained many big names like Swaminathan Aiyer, Ms Radika Roy and others. He served under great editors like Frank Morris and S. Mulgaonkar.

During emergency he used to go to PIB everyday to get the edition cleared. Being an Allahabad University product many of the top bureaucrats in the 80s were his personal friends. Also due to Allahabad connection he was friendly to Mrs Indira Gandhi, and in the 80s, he was regular in her breakfast meeting with Journalists.

His career spanned more than six decades, during which he continued his passion for writing and journalism. He also worked with the German daily Suddeutsche Zeitung as India's correspondent. He was accredited with PIB and was a Long & Distinguished member.

Remembering him senior journalist H.K.Dua said that he felt very sad over a friend’s loss. “For years we worked together in the Indian express as our friendship evolved. We couldn’t meet lately,” said Mr Dua while sharing a sense of loss with his family.

Vithusha Oberoi remembered him and said, “I started my career as a trainee journalist at Indian Express under him as News Editor. Countless memories are associated with him. AC was my guru whose blessings I could always count on. I deeply mourn his loss.”

Prashant Saxena said, “He was my guide and the first person to smile when I told him I wanted to be a journalist. He was my first acquaintance in the newspaper world. I met him face to face on a memorable day: Oct 31, 1984. He was in a hurry to finish off the single page that day. My deep condolences.”

“Remember him fondly, worked with him many years at the express as a sub when he was a chief sub. An absolute gentleman, with such a sharp sense of the world around him. Sharing the grief of his loss with family, friends and colleagues,” said Sanjay Suri.

M.J.Anthony stated while remembering him, “As his junior at Indian Express news desk since 1970 and later at bureau I have fond memories of those decades. Saxena saab was always pleasant, dropped a joke every five minutes, never angry, full of practical advice in journalism and life. A milestone in my life.”