Sarla Maheshwari (journalist)
Sarla Maheshwari | |
|---|---|
| Born | 11 April 1954 |
| Died | 12 February 2026 (aged 71) New Delhi, India |
| Spouse | Pawan Maheshawari |
| Children | 2 sons |
Sarla Maheshwari (11 April 1954 – 12 February 2026) was an Indian journalist who worked as a news reader with DD National.[1] Her career spanned from 1976 to 2005.
Early life and education
Sarla Maheshwari was born on 11 April 1954. She completed her BA & MA in Hindi at the University of Delhi and later did her PhD also at the same university. While still a doctoral student, she auditioned and was selected as an announcer for Doordarshan in 1976, marking the beginning of her career in television broadcasting.[2] She also served as a lecturer at Hansraj College.[3] In 1984, she married Pawan Maheswari, a gastroenterologist and together they had two sons, Himanshu Maheshwari and Kavish Maheshwari, a plastic surgeon.[4]
Career
Maheshwari began her broadcasting career with Doordarshan in 1976 as an announcer and later transitioned to reading the news, becoming one of the channel's key presenters during a period when it was the principal source of television news in India. Her career spanned nearly three decades, during which she became known for her measured delivery and credibility among viewers.[5]
During her career, Maheshwari also worked briefly abroad in the United Kingdom as a newsreader with the BBC before returning to India and re-joining Doordarshan.[6] She witnessed the evolution of television news from black-and-white broadcasts to colour programming and emerging media formats. She was one of the first to anchor colour telecasts during Asian Games in New Delhi.[7]
Later life and death
After retiring from Doordarshan in 2005, Maheshwari remained a respected figure among former colleagues and audiences. She died in New Delhi on 12 February 2026, at the age of 71.[1][8] Her last rites were done on the same day at Nigambodh Shamshan Ghat, Delhi.[9] Her death was widely reported by national media, and Doordarshan National paid tribute to her contributions to Indian television journalism.[10]
References
- ^ a b "Sarla Maheshwari, former Doordarshan news reader, passes away at 71". The Hindu. 12 February 2026. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ^ "Doordarshan news anchor Sarla Maheshwari passes away". The Indian Express. 12 February 2026. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ^ "Who is Sarla Maheshwari, veteran Doordarshan anchor and former lecturer at Hansraj College where Shah Rukh Khan studied". The Economic Times. 12 February 2026. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ^ "Sarla Maheshwari: Doordarshan bulletin's voice of grace passes away at 71". The Indian Express. 14 February 2026. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
- ^ "Sarla Maheshwari dies at 71: DD's calm voice that built trust in India's first TV news era - BusinessToday". Business Today. 12 February 2026. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ^ "Remembering Sarla Maheshwari, the Doordarshan Newsreader of the 80s and 90s Who Kept India Hooked on the News". Times Now. 12 February 2026. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ^ "India Post teams up with Delhi Quiz Club for first iteration of philately quiz". Hindustan Times. 6 May 2025. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
- ^ "Former Doordarshan news reader Sarla Maheshwari dies at 71". Hindustan Times. 12 February 2026. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ^ "Who was Sarla Maheshwari? Doordarshan's iconic news anchor dies at 71". The Times of India. 12 February 2026. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ^ "Who was Sarla Maheswari? Veteran Doordarshan anchor dies at the age of 71". Hindustan Times. 12 February 2026. Retrieved 12 February 2026.