New Delhi, India February 12, 2026 Sarla Maheshwari, the voice that once echoed through Indian homes on Doordarshan, has died at 71 in New Delhi. For so many viewers, her calm and steady presence defined the very idea of news on television. With her passing, it feels like a whole chapter of Indian broadcasting has come to a close.
Doordarshan National broke the news with a heartfelt tribute online. They remembered her for her gentle voice and flawless pronunciation the things that made her such a fixture on screen, especially in the early years of Indian TV news. She wasn’t just another anchor; she was the anchor.
A Pillar of Indian TV’s Golden Years
Sarla Maheshwari started out in 1976, back when Doordarshan was pretty much the only TV channel across India. It didn’t take long for her to become a household name. People trusted her, and for good reason she delivered the news with clarity and poise at a time when TV was the country’s main window to the world.
Through the ‘80s and ‘90s, Maheshwari became someone families watched together, whether they lived in the city or the smallest villages. She set the bar for what it meant to be a newsreader before cable TV changed everything.
Beyond the Studio
Off-camera, Maheshwari wore another hat she taught at Hansraj College, University of Delhi. That’s the same college that produced big names like Shah Rukh Khan. Teaching and anchoring, she juggled both worlds, showing just how much depth and versatility she brought to everything she did.
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People who worked with her remember more than just her on-air talent. She was a mentor, a guide, and the perfect example of grace in journalism. Veteran anchor Shammi Narang, who shared the studio with her, called her the very definition of courtesy and linguistic mastery.
Saying Goodbye
Her family will hold her funeral today at 4 PM at Nigam Bodh Ghat in Delhi. Friends, colleagues, and admirers will gather to pay their respects. All over social media, people are sharing memories of Maheshwari. For many, her voice meant reassurance whether the news was good or bad, or just another day’s bulletin.
A Lasting Legacy
Sarla Maheshwari’s death isn’t just the loss of a beloved anchor. It’s the end of a generation that shaped Indian TV news from the ground up. Her elegance, clarity, and unmistakable presence on screen will live on in the memories of millions who tuned in to Doordarshan, trusting her to tell them what mattered.
