Doordarshan News Anchor Sarla Maheshwari Passes Away at 71
Sarla Maheshwari, one of the most prominent and pioneering news anchors for Doordarshan during the 1970s and 1980s, has passed away at the age of 71. The sad news was confirmed by her former colleague, ex-Doordarshan anchor Shammi Narang, who shared the announcement on social media platform X. He expressed deep grief over her demise, noting that she passed away in Delhi.
Tributes from a Colleague
In his heartfelt post, Shammi Narang described Sarla Maheshwari as "the embodiment of grace and courtesy." He praised her not only for her beautiful appearance but also for her kind heart, remarkable command over language, and vast reservoir of knowledge. Narang highlighted that her presence on the Doordarshan screen carried a unique aura, and she was known for respecting everyone and uplifting every space she was part of. He concluded with prayers for her soul and strength for the Maheshwari family.
Who Was Sarla Maheshwari?
Sarla Maheshwari was a trailblazer in Indian television journalism. She began her career with Doordarshan in 1976 as a news announcer while pursuing her PhD. As one of the first anchors to read news live on Indian television, she worked with Doordarshan until 1984. After a brief stint in the UK, where she served as a news reader for the BBC until 1986, she returned to India and rejoined Doordarshan in 1988 following the birth of her son.
Challenges and Memories of Live Broadcasting
In interviews, Sarla Maheshwari recalled the demanding nature of live news broadcasting during her era. She shared anecdotes, such as accidentally laughing during a broadcast due to a fumble, and emphasized the strict protocols that prohibited even taking a breath or clearing one's throat on air. Without teleprompters, anchors had to memorize scripts, requiring immense responsibility and maturity. She described it as a job of great pressure but also immense pride.
Fan Interactions and Career Choices
During her time on air, Sarla received significant fan mail, often commenting on her appearance. Some viewers encouraged her to smile more, while others pointed out details like the mole on her face or a crooked bindi. Despite receiving numerous offers for films and advertisements, she declined them, preferring to focus on her journalism career. Concurrently, she also worked as a lecturer at Delhi University's Hansraj College, showcasing her dedication to education and broadcasting.
Her legacy as a pioneering figure in Indian television news remains indelible, remembered for her professionalism, elegance, and contributions to the early days of live broadcasting.
