Veteran Doordarshan news anchor Sarla Maheshwari dies at 71

The veteran news anchor, celebrated for her composed delivery and dignified on-screen presence, breathed her last on Thursday, according to reports.

Her demise marks the end of an era for millions of viewers who grew up listening to her steady voice during the formative decades of Indian broadcast journalism.

Doordarshan pays heartfelt tribute

Doordarshan National confirmed the news of her passing in a post on the social media platform X, remembering her as a respected and admired newsreader who left a lasting imprint on the country’s news landscape.

“A heartfelt tribute from the Doordarshan family to Smt. Sarla Maheshwari. She was a respected and esteemed newsreader of Doordarshan, who carved out a special place in the Indian news world with her gentle voice, precise pronunciation, and dignified presentation. Her simplicity, restraint, and personality established deep trust in the hearts of viewers,” the broadcaster wrote.

The public broadcaster further emphasised that her simplicity, self-restraint and refined personality helped her build a rare bond of credibility with audiences across generations.

Colleague Shammi Narang remembers her grace

Former Doordarshan colleague and fellow news anchor Shammi Narang also expressed profound grief at her passing.

“I feel utmost grief in announcing the sad demise of my ex co-News anchor at Doordarshan, Sarala Maheshwari. She was the embodiment of grace and courtesy. Beautiful not just in appearance but even more so at heart, she had a remarkable command over language and was a reservoir of knowledge. Her presence on the Doordarshan screen had a unique aura. She respected everyone and uplifted every space she was part of. I pray that God grants her soul eternal peace and gives strength to the Maheshwari family. Om Shanti,” Narang wrote on X.

A career spanning three decades

Sarla Maheshwari’s association with Doordarshan stretched nearly three decades, from 1976 to 2005.

During this period, she became synonymous with calm authority, flawless Hindi diction and poised news delivery.

At a time when television news was limited to a single national broadcaster, Maheshwari’s voice reached households across India.

Her impeccable pronunciation and composed demeanour set high standards for broadcast journalism.

She began her journey with Doordarshan as an announcer after successfully auditioning while pursuing a PhD at Delhi University.

What started as an academic pursuit soon transformed into a defining media career.

Over time, she transitioned into news reading and became one of the most respected anchors of her generation.

Witness to the evolution of Indian television

Maheshwari’s career mirrored the transformation of Indian television itself.

She was part of Doordarshan during its black-and-white era and later witnessed the transition to colour broadcasting, the expansion of satellite services, and the rapid growth of private news channels.

Despite the sweeping changes in the media landscape, her style remained consistent—measured, dignified and rooted in clarity.

In an age before teleprompters became ubiquitous and newsrooms turned hyper-competitive, her delivery symbolised credibility and restraint.

A trusted voice in Indian homes

For many viewers, Sarla Maheshwari was more than a news anchor—she was a reassuring presence during times of national importance.

Her voice carried major announcements, political developments and cultural milestones into living rooms across the country.

In an era when trust in media was closely tied to the individual presenting the news, Maheshwari’s composure and integrity earned her enduring respect.