Who was Sarla Maheshwari? Doordarshan’s iconic news anchor dies at 71

NEW DELHI: Veteran Doordarshan newsreader Sarla Maheshwari, a household name on Indian television through the 1980s and 1990s, died in Delhi on Thursday at the age of 71, family friend and broadcaster Shammi Narang said.Maheshwari was part of Doordarshan from 1976 to 2005 and belonged to the pioneering generation of television newsreaders in India, when daily broadcasts were limited and the medium was still in its early years. Narang, who co-anchored news bulletins with her, announced her demise on X and Instagram. "I feel utmost grief in announcing the sad demise of my ex co-News anchor at Doordarshan, Sarala Maheshwari," Narang said. Remembering her contribution and personality, he added, "I feel utmost grief in announcing the sad demise of my ex co-News anchor at Doordarshan, Sarala Maheshwari...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." Her last rites will be held at Nigam Bodh Ghat at 4pm. According to reports, Maheshwari joined the public broadcaster after completing her PhD from Delhi University. Over her nearly three-decade-long career, she witnessed the transformation of television news from black-and-white broadcasts to the colour era. Doordarshan National also paid tribute on X, recalling her legacy. "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."