Who is Sarla Maheshwari, veteran Doordarshan anchor and former lecturer at Hansraj College where Shah Rukh Khan studied

Sarla Maheshwari, a veteran Doordarshan news anchor, died at the age of 71. Doordarshan National confirmed her passing on social media and paid tribute to her contribution to Indian television news. She was not only a trusted face on state television but also served as a lecturer at Delhi University’s Hansraj College, where Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan studied.

Sarla Maheshwari: From classroom to news desk

Before and during her television career, Maheshwari also worked in academics. She taught at Hansraj College, one of Delhi University’s prominent institutions. The college is also widely known as the alma mater of Shah Rukh Khan, who studied there in the late 1980s.

Maheshwari balanced academics and broadcasting at a time when television news in India was still evolving. She reportedly taught in college while also building her identity as a newsreader on Doordarshan.


For many viewers, Maheshwari symbolised credibility. Her gentle tone, steady pace and precise pronunciation became her trademark. In an age before multiple news channels and breaking news tickers, anchors like her were the primary source of information for millions.

Doordarshan National remembered her in a post on X (formerly Twitter):

“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.”

Veteran news anchor Shammi Narang, her former colleague, also expressed grief.

“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,” Narang wrote.

He added, “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.”