NEW DELHI. Veteran Doordarshan newsreader Sarla Maheshwari passed away at the age of 71, prompting heartfelt tributes from colleagues and viewers alike. Doordarshan National paid a respectful homage on social media, recalling her for her gentle voice, precise pronunciation, and dignified delivery that earned her a revered place in Indian television journalism. Ex-colleague Shammi Narang described her as the embodiment of grace and courtesy, noting her remarkable command over language, her reservoir of knowledge, and the aura she brought to the screen. The All India Mahila Congress also expressed that her passing marked the end of a golden era of television journalism, emphasizing that her credibility and decency will continue to inspire future generations.
Sarla Maheshwari began her illustrious career with Doordarshan in 1976, initially working as a news announcer while pursuing her PhD at Delhi University. She became one of the earliest anchors to read news live on Indian television, contributing to the medium’s growth during the era of black-and-white and early color broadcasts. After working with Doordarshan until 1984, she moved to the UK to serve as a newsreader for the BBC until 1986, before returning to India in 1988 to rejoin Doordarshan. Over nearly three decades, Maheshwari became a trusted and familiar face in Indian households, admired for her calm, formal, and composed style of presentation that defined an era of television journalism marked by integrity and grace.
