Sarla Maheshwari, a former Doordarshan announcer and one of the most recognizable faces of Indian television during the 1980s and 1990s, died on Thursday in Delhi, family friend Shammi Narang confirmed.
Narang, who was Maheshwari’s co-founder, also posted the message on X and Instagram. “I am deeply saddened to announce the sad end of my former Doordarshan news anchor Sarala Maheshwari,” said Narang.
He remembered Maheshwari as “the epitome of grace and courtesy”.
“I am deeply saddened to announce the sad demise of my former Doordarshan news anchor, Sarala Maheshwari… Not only beautiful to look at but 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 on the social media platform and was uplifted in every social space.”
Her last rites will be performed at Nigam Bodh Ghat at 4:00 PM.
Who was Sarla Maheshwari?
Maheshwari worked with Doordarshan from 1976 to 2005 and was considered a pioneer of television news in India, at a time when broadcasting was limited to just a few hours each day.
According to reports, Maheshwari joined the public broadcaster after completing her doctorate from Delhi University. During his career spanning three decades, Maheshwari saw the transition of television news from black and white to color broadcasts.
“A heartfelt tribute from the Doordarshan family to Saint Sarla Maheshwari. She was a respected and respected Doordarshan newsreader who carved a special place in the Indian news world with her soft voice, precise pronunciation and dignified presentation. Her simplicity, restraint and personality instilled deep trust in the hearts of Doordarshan viewers.”
Considered one of Doordarshan’s most iconic faces, Maheshwari was admired for her poise, understated style and impeccable Hindi. During her career, she saw Indian television evolve from black-and-white to the color era.
She became a familiar presence on national news bulletins during Doordarshan’s heyday.
Beautiful not only to look at, but even more so at heart, she had a remarkable command of language and was a storehouse of knowledge.
Her presentation was rigorously composed, deliberate and formal – reflecting a time when news reading favored clarity, discipline and restraint.
(With input from agencies)