New Delhi: Sarla Maheshwari, one of the most recognizable faces of Durdarshan’s retro era, passed away on Thursday. She is 71 years old.Doordarshan National confirmed her death through a post on social media, where the broadcaster remembered her as a cherished and distinguished newscaster whose voice and presence left a lasting mark on the world of Indian television journalism.Doordarshan National wrote onHer understated style and calm demeanor won her the trust and affection of viewers across the country, the public broadcaster wrote.Senior news anchor Shami Narang, who worked with Maheshwari, also paid his respects.“I am extremely saddened to announce the untimely demise of my former syndicated news anchor Sarala Maheshwari at Doordarshan. She was the epitome of elegance and courtesy. She was not only beautiful on the outside but even more beautiful on the inside, she had an extraordinary command of languages and was a treasure trove of knowledge. She was a treasure trove of knowledge at Doordarshan Her presence on screen has a unique aura. She respects everyone and uplifts every space she belongs to. I pray God grant her eternal peace to the Maheshwari family. Om Shanti,” Narang wrote in a post on X.Maheshwari became a household name in the 1980s and 1990s, when Doordarshan dominated Indian television news. For nearly three decades, from 1976 to 2005, she delivered Hindi news bulletins with calmness and clarity, winning praise for her measured tone and impeccable diction.Her broadcasting journey began while she was pursuing her PhD at Delhi University. After successfully auditioning as an announcer, she gradually moved into news reading and remained a steady presence as Indian television transitioned from the black-and-white era to color broadcasts.With her calm authority and elegant delivery, Sarla Maheshwari represents a generation of news anchors that defined on-screen credibility.
