Veteran news anchor Sarla Maheshwari, one of the most recognised faces of Doordarshan, passed away in New Delhi at the age of 71. Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, viewers and the wider media fraternity.
Maheshwari began her journey with Doordarshan in 1976 as an announcer while pursuing her doctoral studies. At a time when television news in India was still evolving, she quickly became a familiar presence in households across the country. Her calm voice, flawless diction and composed on-screen manner earned her deep respect and credibility among viewers.
For nearly three decades, she was a regular face on Hindi news bulletins, especially during the 1980s and 1990s when Doordarshan was the primary source of televised news in India. In an era before the rise of private news channels, her presence symbolised reliability and dignity in journalism.
Doordarshan paid tribute to her, remembering her as a graceful and dependable broadcaster who carved a special place in the history of Indian television news. Former colleague Shammi Narang and several other media professionals expressed sorrow, recalling her warmth, professionalism and command over language.
Her last rites were held in Delhi. Many viewers described her passing as the end of a golden chapter in public broadcasting, remembering her not just as a newsreader, but as a voice that guided the nation through decades of change.
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