Sarla Maheshwari, one of the most recognisable faces of Indian television news and a long serving news anchor with Doordarshan, died on Thursday at the age of 71 years. This was confirmed by Doordarshan National via their social media handle, which posted a tribute to the news anchor.
In its message, Doordarshan recalled Maheshwari as a respected and esteemed newsreader who acquired a special niche for herself in the world of Indian broadcasting with her soft voice, impeccable enunciation, and calm demeanor. The broadcaster said that her simplicity and restraint created a level of trust among the audience, across generations.
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“She carved out a special place in the Indian news world with her gentle voice, precise pronunciation, and dignified presentation,” Doordarshan National said in its tribute.
दूरदर्शन परिवार की ओर से श्रीमती सरला माहेश्वरी को भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजलि। वह दूरदर्शन की सम्मानित और प्रतिष्ठित समाचार वाचिका थीं, जिन्होंने अपनी सौम्य आवाज़, सटीक उच्चारण और गरिमापूर्ण प्रस्तुति से भारतीय समाचार जगत में विशेष स्थान बनाया। उनकी सादगी, संयम और व्यक्तित्व ने दर्शकों… pic.twitter.com/Hx8glZI7rk
— Doordarshan National दूरदर्शन नेशनल (@DDNational) February 12, 2026
A voice that defined an era
Maheshwari was a familiar presence on Doordarshan’s Hindi news bulletins during the 1980s and 1990s, a period when the public broadcaster was the primary source of television news in Indian homes.She was a news anchor in Doordarshan, from 1976 onwards until 2005, and thereby saw the transformation in television from black-and-white broadcasts to colour.
Known for her calm delivery and impeccable Hindi, Maheshwari represented a style of news presentation rooted in clarity, balance, and credibility. Her on-screen composure became a benchmark for newsreading at a time when presentation relied more on authority and language than spectacle.
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Tributes from colleagues
Former Doordarshan anchor Shammi Narang expressed grief over her passing, describing Maheshwari as an embodiment of grace and courtesy. In a post on X, Narang recalled her command over language, depth of knowledge and the quiet aura she brought to the screen, adding that she uplifted every space she was part of.
I feel utmost grief in announcing the sad demise of my ex co-News anchor at Doordarshan, Sarala Maheshwari 🙏
— Shammi Narang (@iamshamminarang) February 12, 2026
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… pic.twitter.com/VIX8khALBC
From academia to broadcasting
Maheshwari began her career as an announcer after clearing auditions while pursuing a PhD at Delhi University. She later transitioned to news reading, becoming one of the most trusted voices of the national broadcaster over nearly three decades of service.
Her passing marks the end of an era associated with Doordarshan’s restrained, language-driven style of news presentation.
