New Delhi – Sarla Maheshwari, one of the most loved Hindi newsreaders of Doordarshan, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, in Delhi. She was 71 years old. For many Indians who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, her calm voice and simple style were a big part of evening news time. She joined Doordarshan in 1976 and worked there for almost 30 years until she retired in 2005. During her time, she saw TV change from black-and-white to color, and she became a symbol of trust and grace on screen. Colleagues and viewers are sharing sad messages, remembering her as a kind person with perfect Hindi speaking skills. Her family friend and old co-worker Shammi Narang shared the news on social media, saying she was like a picture of politeness and beauty inside and out. Doordarshan National also put out a message, calling her a respected newsreader who won hearts with her soft voice and dignified way of talking. Her last rites happened at Nigam Bodh Ghat in Delhi at 4 pm on the same day.
Sarla Maheshwari was not just a newsreader; she was part of India’s TV history. Back then, Doordarshan was the only channel for news, and people waited for her bulletins. She read news during big events, like the death of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 and the last rites of Mother Teresa in 1997. Even when there were dangers, like threats from militants during the Punjab troubles, she kept doing her job with bravery. After she left TV, she focused on her family and sometimes taught at colleges. Her death has made many people look back at the old days of simple, honest news reading. As one tribute said, it feels like the end of a golden time in TV journalism.
Early Life and Education
Sarla Maheshwari was born in 1954 in Delhi, where she spent most of her life. She came from a family that valued learning, and she had three sisters. From a young age, she loved Hindi language and stories. She did her BA and MA in Hindi from Delhi University, and then went on to get a PhD from the same place. While studying for her PhD, she started working at Doordarshan in 1976. This shows how she balanced books and work right from the start. She also taught at Hansraj College, which is part of Delhi University. This college is famous, and even actor Shah Rukh Khan studied there in the late 1980s. Sarla ji, as many called her, was a lecturer there before and during her TV days. She went to the college in the morning to teach and then to Doordarshan in the evening. Her students remember her as a strict but kind teacher who made Hindi easy to understand. In interviews, she once said her father was her biggest guide and critic, always pushing her to speak clearly and learn more. This early life shaped her into the confident woman who became a star on TV.
Her love for cooking was a hobby she kept all her life. Family members say she made simple home food that brought everyone together. Even with a busy job, she found time for these small joys. Her education in Hindi helped her a lot in news reading, where clear words and right tone matter the most.
Career Journey at Doordarshan
Sarla Maheshwari’s career at Doordarshan started in 1976 when she gave an audition for a job as an announcer. At that time, she was still doing her PhD. She got the job and began as a news announcer, but soon moved to reading news. She also wrote scripts for kids’ shows like “Kapde ki Kahani” and special programs on festivals like Janmashtami. By 1982, she was a full newsreader, and that year she anchored the first color telecast of the Asian Games in India. TV was changing from black-and-white to color, and she was right there in the middle of it. People loved her because she spoke Hindi so well, with no mistakes, and her voice was soft and clear.
In 1984, she got married and left Doordarshan for a while to go to the UK with her husband. There, she worked as a newsreader for the BBC until 1986. This gave her new experience in international news. When she came back to India in 1988, she joined Doordarshan again and became one of its top anchors. She read the evening Hindi news bulletins, which were watched by millions. During the 1980s and 1990s, Doordarshan was the main source of news, and anchors like her were like family members in every home. She wore simple Gujarati sarees in the studio, which added to her elegant look. Colleagues like Salma Sultan, Minu Talwar, Sheila Chaman, and Shammi Narang worked with her and say she was always helpful and professional.
Her job was not easy. During the militancy in Punjab, she got threats from militants for reading news about it, but she did not stop. In May 1991, she was the one who announced on TV that Rajiv Gandhi had died. That was a sad day for the country, and her calm way helped people stay steady. In 1997, she went to West Bengal to cover the last rites of Mother Teresa. After that, she decided to stay away from field work and focus more on studio reading and her kids. She retired in 2005 after almost 30 years. In her time, news was slow and careful, not like today’s fast breaking news. She once said in an old interview that news should build trust, not just give facts.
Time at BBC and Return to India
After getting married in 1984, Sarla Maheshwari moved to the UK with her husband. She joined the BBC as a newsreader, which was a big step. Working there from 1984 to 1986, she learned how news is done in other countries. The BBC style was different, but she fit in well with her skills. She read news for Hindi listeners, helping Indians abroad stay connected to home. This time away made her even better when she came back.
In October 1986, she returned to India and rejoined Doordarshan in 1988. Her come-back was welcomed, and she quickly became a favorite again. This part of her life shows how she balanced family and work. She met her husband Pawan Maheshwari at a friend’s party in 1983, and they got married the next year. Moving to the UK was for his job, but she made it work for her career too.
Family Life and Personal Side
Sarla Maheshwari was married to Pawan Maheshwari, who is a gastroenterologist. They had two sons: Kavish Maheshwari, who is a plastic surgeon, and Himanshu Maheshwari. She always put family first, especially after her kids were born. After covering Mother Teresa’s funeral in 1997, she chose to stay in the studio more to be with her children. Her husband and sons were her support, and she often talked about how home life kept her grounded.
She had three sisters, and family was close-knit. Even with fame, she lived simply in Delhi. Her hobby of cooking showed her down-to-earth side. Friends say she was kind to everyone, from big names to studio helpers. Shammi Narang, in his tribute, said, “She respected everyone and uplifted every space she was part of.” Her family is getting strength from all the love pouring in after her death.
Tributes and Legacy
When news of her death came out, tributes came from everywhere. Doordarshan National wrote on X: “On behalf of the Doordarshan family, we pay our heartfelt tribute to Mrs Sarla Maheshwari. She was a respected and revered Doordarshan newsreader who carved a special place in the Indian news world with her gentle voice, precise pronunciation, and dignified delivery. Her simplicity, restraint, and personality instilled a deep trust in her viewers.”
Shammi Narang, her old co-anchor, shared his sadness: “I feel utmost grief in announcing the sad demise of my ex co-News anchor at Doordarshan, Sarala Maheshwari. 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 of knowledge. Her presence on the Doordarshan screen had a unique aura. She respected everyone and uplifted every space she was part of. I pray that God grants her soul eternal peace and gives strength to the Maheshwari family. Om Shanti.”
The All India Mahila Congress called it the “end of a golden era of television journalism.” They said, “Her credibility and decency will always be an inspiration for generations to come.” Journalists and viewers on social media shared old clips of her reading news, saying her voice was soothing in tough times. Her name trended on Google with over 5,000 searches soon after the news broke.
Sarla Maheshwari’s legacy is in how she made news feel reliable and close. In a time before many channels, she was the face people trusted. Young journalists look up to her for staying true to basics: clear speech, calm tone, and respect for facts. Her work at Hansraj College also inspired students. As Indian TV keeps changing, her simple style reminds us of what good journalism should be.
Impact on Indian Television
Sarla Maheshwari was part of the group that made Doordarshan a big name. In the 1970s, TV was new in India, with shows only for a few hours. She helped make news a daily habit for families. Her role in the 1982 Asian Games color broadcast was historic. She showed women could lead in media, paving the way for others. Even after private channels came in the 1990s, her style stayed special. She did not shout or rush; she spoke like a friend sharing important things.
Her time at BBC added a global touch, but she always stayed rooted in Indian ways. Retiring in 2005, she left when TV was getting faster, but her fans say the old way was better. Today, with 24-hour news, people miss anchors like her who built trust slowly.
What Her Passing Means Today
Sarla Maheshwari’s death at 71 has made many think about the old days of TV. With fast news and social media now, her calm way seems like a lost art. Young people who did not see her are learning about her through tributes. It shows how one person’s work can touch lives for years. Her family and friends are holding on to memories, and the country is saying goodbye to a true pioneer.
FAQs
Who was Sarla Maheshwari?
Sarla Maheshwari was a famous Hindi newsreader for Doordarshan. She started in 1976 and worked until 2005. Known for her soft voice and clear Hindi, she was a big name in the 1980s and 1990s. She also worked at BBC in the UK for two years and taught at Hansraj College in Delhi.
When and how did Sarla Maheshwari pass away?
She passed away on February 12, 2026, in Delhi at the age of 71. The exact cause was not shared publicly, but it was a peaceful passing. Her last rites were at Nigam Bodh Ghat at 4 pm that day.
What was Sarla Maheshwari’s education?
She did her BA, MA, and PhD in Hindi from Delhi University. While doing her PhD, she started at Doordarshan. She also lectured at Hansraj College, where she taught students including around the time Shah Rukh Khan was there.
Who is in Sarla Maheshwari’s family?
She was married to Pawan Maheshwari, a doctor who treats stomach problems. They had two sons: Kavish Maheshwari, a plastic surgeon, and Himanshu Maheshwari. She had three sisters too.
What were some big moments in her career?
She anchored the first color TV broadcast in India for the 1982 Asian Games. She announced Rajiv Gandhi’s death in 1991 and covered Mother Teresa’s funeral in 1997. She faced threats during Punjab militancy but kept working.
Why was Sarla Maheshwari famous?
People loved her for her simple style, perfect pronunciation, and calm way of reading news. She wore Gujarati sarees and made news feel trustworthy. In the old days of Doordarshan, she was like a family member on TV.
Did Sarla Maheshwari work outside Doordarshan?
Yes, she worked at BBC in the UK from 1984 to 1986 as a newsreader. She also taught at colleges and wrote scripts for kids’ shows on DD.
What tributes came after her death?
Doordarshan said she built deep trust with viewers. Shammi Narang called her graceful and kind. All India Mahila Congress said it’s the end of a golden era. Many shared old videos online.
How did Sarla Maheshwari balance work and family?
After her kids were born, she chose studio work over going out for stories. She retired in 2005 to focus on family. Her husband supported her moves, like going to the UK.
What is her legacy in journalism?
She showed how to do news with dignity and clarity. Young anchors learn from her that trust comes from being simple and honest. She helped make women strong in media.