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Last Updated: March 1, 2016  341,584 views

Revisiting 20 Old Doordarshan News Readers and Anchors

in: Doordarshan

salma-sultanToday, I am going to revisit the charm of 20 Old Doordarshan new readers and anchors, who ruled the hearts of billions of Indians with their charm, presentation and distinctive style. In the days of 24 hours non-stop private new channels, it is really a nice experience to remember the good old days of Doordarshan. Now it has been more than one and half decade, but still I cannot forget the wonderful Doordarshan news readers and anchors who used to enlighten our minds with the current affairs and latest updates in the ephemeral eighties and nineties when TV meant one single channel called Doordarshan.

Salma Sultan worked as an anchor in Doordarshan for 30 years from 1967 till 1997. She was famous for her signature rose tucked under her left ear in her hair,and draping the border of her sari around her neck in a unique style. And you know, what was the reason? She later disclosed the reason; "I did not have so many blouses to match with each sari so I created a style to hide them." All the lady newsreaders used to wear only sari and nothing else; forget business suits and skirts, even salwar suit was ruled out.

 salma-doordarshan

After her retirement, Salma Sultan moved to directing serials on social topics for Doordarshan under her production house Lensview Private Limited. Her popular serials were Panchtantra Se, Suno Kahani, Swar Mere Tumhare and Jalte Sawal.

Salma Sultan gave the first news of assassination of Indira Gandhi on Doordarshan’s evening news on 31 October 1984,more than 10 hours after she was shot.

Ramu Damodaran

Ramu Damodaran never looked at the script even before the tele-prompter came into news studios. He was the son of diplomat A.K. Damodaran. Later he left the new reading job and became private secretary to Prime Minister Narasimha Rao. He also served in the Indian diplomatic missions in Moscow and at the United Nations.

Tejeshwar Singh

Tejeshwar Singh was a famous English newsreader during 80s and early 90s. He had a statesque appeal, known best for his well kept beard and deep baritone voice

Prannay Roy Doordarshan

Prannay Roy started his career with televised coverage of India’s general elections On Doordarshan, he hosted news programs "The News Tonight" and "The World This Week" (which were nominated as one of India’s 5 best television programs since independence. Later he started India’s first 24-hour English news channel NDTV 24×7.

Geetanjali Iyer

Githanjali Iyer was an elegant and erudite yesteryear Doordarshan newsreader.

Rini Simon Khanna Rini Simon Khanna was handpicked from Radio to anchor the National news on Delhi Doordarshan in 1985, co-anchoring news with Tejeshwar Singh. In addition to presenting news, Rini was an experienced Voice talent, rendering commentary and voiceovers for documentaries, advertisement films and feature-films. She also played the role of anchor in many international and national conferences, cultural shows and seminars for prestigious organizations, UN agencies, corporate groups and Government agencies.

 

Neethi Ravindran

Neethi Ravindran used to grace our screens with poise  and her crisp voice every night during 1980s and 1990s. After golden Doordarshan days, she has been keeping busy as a voiceover artist, making documentaries, short films and anchoring special programs. It was her voice that led us through the death of Mother Teresa in 1997 and she was the brainchild behind award-winning documentary Fifty Years of India’s Independence, made for the Ministry of External Affairs through the United News of India.

Usha Albuquerque 

Usha Albuquerque entered into media and journalism, appearing as the English newsreader for Doordarshan, and writing for several magazines. Soon she was producing, and sometimes anchoring, television news features, quizzes, talk shows, and documentaries for corporate houses, the Air Force, Ministry of External Affairs and international organizations, such as the World Bank and Portuguese and Brazilian TV.

Shammi Narang

Shammi Narang was selected from among 100,000 candidates into Doordarshan and became the ‘face of Doordarshan news reading’ and Indian Television during the 1970s – 80s. He was a master or high quality voice and unique style. Even today, he is a very popular and successful voice artist. All Hindi in-train and in-station voice messages and announcements of the Delhi Metro, Rapid MetroRail Gurgaon, Mumbai Metro, Bangalore Metro and the upcoming Hyderabad Metro Rail and Jaipur Metro are also recorded in his voice.

Manjari-Joshi

Manjari Joshi is another evergreen faces of yesteryears’ Doordarshan.

Komal GB Singh

Komal GB Singh was in limelight for ten years and became a household name due to her news reading.

Minu Talwar

Minu Talwar had a long association, almost 35 years, with Doordarshan, as a newsreader and anchor.

suneet tandon

Sunit Tandon was associated with Doordarshan until 2007.

Avinash Kaur Sarin started her career as a presenter on Door Darshan, India, subsequently was promoted to be main newscaster on Doordarshan. She was one of the very few lady newsreaders who would always sport a smile when greeting users. She would never keep her hair open and used to tie them together in a juda. And she had this characteristically large  Bindi always on.

Sarla Maheshwari

Sarla Maheshwari, the lady with the most grace. She had striking features and dressed with utter simplicity devoid of almost any jewellary. She had this small mole that only enhanced her appleal as a charming face that would command everybody’s attention. She looked pretty expressionless most of the times but an occassional smile of hers was quite infectious.

Vedprakash

Ved Prakash was also a well known Newsreader and voice artist associated with Doordarshan, Chief Editor of ‘Student Today’, author of over 100 articles with leading Newspapers and Magazines.

Shobhana Jagdish

Shobhana Jagdish joined DD quite late but quickly became a popular newsreader because of her absolutely magical voice. She would come neatly dressed in starched sarees, with a small bindi always adorning her forehead.

Kaveri Mukherjee, another elegant and erudite Doordarshan newsreader.

Vinod-Dua

Vinod Dua has been the face of Indian television since 1974. He has seen and been associated with Indian television’s transition from a government controlled, black and white, single-channel entity to the present-day multi-channel transnational satellite T.V.industry.

narottam puri

Narottam Puri was the face of sports on Doordarshan for almost 3 decades. His sports quiz on TV during the 1970s and 1980s was a much watched show. His Cricket commentary was well recognised the world over. He is also an acclaimed ENT specialist.



190
  • 1

    DD social message videos

    Does anyone have old clips of DD social message videos on cleanliness entitled : Aur Isska Kya karein?

    ashwinikumar on October 2nd, 2014
  • 2

    WOW .. u remind me of those golden days .. when watching news was big event of the day. i almost forgot all these faces but seeing them reminded of those golden days. thx

    GURUNATH on October 3rd, 2014
  • 3

    Thanks for reminding me of those beautiful people

    ravi narwal on October 24th, 2014
  • 4

    you had forgot Mr.J V Raman,the 1 among top 5 of doordarshan news reders ,many of these are not populer as him…
    without him,this list is not only incomlete but also with editor’s error..

    sushil thakkar on October 25th, 2014
  • 5

    ग्रेट लिस्ट, थैंक्स फॉर शेयरिंग.

    Sunita Aggarwal on October 27th, 2014
  • 6

    yes i agree sushil thakkar, where is Mr.J V Raman more popular personality you forgot him ?

    jitu on November 14th, 2014
  • 7

    This above given faces and names are the take-1 stage of tele-news services broken in by doordarshan. These collections have really reminded us those golden childhood moments sitting infront of the most wonderful T.V. sets. There news reading qualities are unmatchable and they used to read the news in a specific reading style which has now changed with the time and this change has created their imprint on our mind for ever.

    Bidisha Biswas Dubey on November 30th, 2014
  • 8

    Wonder why Sashi Kumar didn’t appear in your list. Was’t he the first English news reader in Delhi Doordarshan Kendra, and one who is remembered fondly as a news anchor par excellence on the national channel?

    rajuda on December 4th, 2014
  • 9

    nostalgic. these faces are integral part of our childhood. hindi newsreaders list will be incomplete without JV Raman sirs’name. please add his pictures too.

    madhavi dubey on February 8th, 2015
  • 10

    Very nostalgic to see these 20 adorable faces. Shri J.V. Raman has died in August,2014.May the holy soul rest in peace.

    Harsh Gupta on February 26th, 2015
  • 11

    OH THOSE WHO FILLED OUR EARS-YEARS WITH THEIR CHARMING FACES,SWEET VOICES,MANNERISMS,POISE,GRACE !!!!
    IT WAS SHEAR DELIGHT WATCHING THEM DOING THE JOB THEY LIKED MOST-NEWS READING,DISCUSSING-SPORTS,ENTERTAINMENT,LITERATURE,WHO IS WHO AND MUCH MUCH MORE!
    DOORDARSHAN WILL DO THEM AN HONOR IF THEY START A SERIES OF THESE STALWARTS. IT CAN COVER THEIR PRESENCE DURING THEIR DD DAYS, THEIR LIFE AND THEIR OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS TO NATION/SOCIETY OR MEDIA.THEY WERE FANTASTIC AND DD WILL ONLY HONOR ITSELF BY REFRESHING THE PAST.ALTHOUGH I M A NOVICE IN THE FIELD OF JOURNALISM I WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE MY EFFORTS IN THE PRESENTATION . FINANCE HARDLY MATTERS AS MILLIONS WILL BID THEIR LUCK , JUST TO REHEAR AND RE LOOK AT THESE HEROES.HOPES ALWAYS COME TRUE! I BELIEVE.AND U Mr DD ?

    VIRENDRA PRATAP SINGH on March 24th, 2015
  • 12

    U CAN FIND SOMETHING ABOUT ME ON FACE BOOK AND TWITTER !I M HAVING BALL WITH MY TIME . I WAS A WARRANT OFFICER IN INDIAN AIR FORCE. MY UNIFORM REQUIRED ME TO RESTRICT MY THOUGHTS TO ME AND WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION, BUT NOW THAT I AM RETIRED I FEEL LUCKY TO CONTRIBUTE MY MIGHT, MY THOUGHTS, MY VALUES AND MY BELIEFS IN HUMANITY WITH THE WORLD.I UNDERSTAND THE POWER OF WORDS AND IMPORTANCE OF MEDIA.I HAVE WORKED ON RADAR. A RADAR IS MEANT TO TRANSMITT ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES IN TO THE SPACE WITH AN INTENTION OF FINDING OUT WHAT IS IN THE AIR.WE ALL ARE WALKING RADARS(RADIO DETECTION AND RANGING).WE CAN TRANSMITT MOTIVATING,ENTERTAINING,INFORMING ETC ,THE MASSES AND CREATE A DIFFERENCE IN Today’s AND TOMORROWS.
    WORDS ARE THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEANS TO MAKE PEOPLE SEE REASON ,CREATE A VISION AND REDIRECTING ENERGY OF OUR YOUTH.TODAY THE YOUTH HAS ALL THE ELECTRONICS AT HIS HAND AND THERE IS NO DEARTH OF USEFUL INFORMATION.WE CAN CHANNELIZE THEIR ENERGY BY MAKING THEM FEEL REQUIRED AND MAKING THEM FEEL-WANTED.

    VIRENDRA PRATAP SINGH on March 24th, 2015
  • 13

    SORRY FOR SPELLING MISTAKES !

    VIRENDRA PRATAP SINGH on March 24th, 2015
  • 14

    DD U ARE THE BEST.U SERVE RICH SAMPLES OF CULTURE,SCIENCE,LITERATURE,INFORMATION ABOUT PEOPLE,SUBJECTS RELATED TO SOCIETY,ANY THING UNDER THE SUN WHICH IS PRODUCTIVE AND AIMS AT ENRICHING THE MIND.VERY WELL DONE !!!!!!
    QUDOS TO U DD! SALUTE TO U GRAND MASTERS!!!

    VIRENDRA PRATAP SINGH on March 24th, 2015
  • 15

    TODAY MORNING I SEARCHED KOMAL GB SINGH WHO HAD NOT ONLY PLEASANT PERSONALITY BUT HER GOLDEN VOICE,MANNERISMS,GRACE AND WIT——-ALL THESE ARE TRAITS —-YES PERSONALITY -A SINGLE WORD COVERS EVERY THING!
    AND LOOK WHAT HAVE STUMBLED UPON ?
    EUREKA EUREKA! I HAVE Aladdin’s MAGIC LAMP IN MY HANDS.

    VIRENDRA PRATAP SINGH on March 24th, 2015
  • 16

    DD YOU ARE UNIQUE! WHAT YOU SHOW AND SERVE, NO ONE CAN ! KEEP UP THE WONDERFUL JOB !!!!!LONG LIVE YOU-Mr DOORDARSHAN !!!!DD -NOW YOU LIKE ? HAHAHAHAHAHHA!

    VIRENDRA PRATAP SINGH on March 24th, 2015
  • 17

    I have no word to say these great people

    bhanu on May 5th, 2015
  • 18

    hi i love watching NIDHIKUMAR ENG NEWS CASTER SHE DOES LOOK LIKE SHARMILA TAGORE AND HAS CLASS BUT IT SEEMS PEOPLE AT DD NEWS WANT SUBSTANDARD NEWS READERS SO WE DONT GET TO SEE MUCH OF HER

    MUSKAN on May 12th, 2015
  • 19

    i I SIMPLY LOVE WATCHING NIDHI KUMAR SHE REMINDS ME OF MY FAV ACTRESS THE GLAMOUROUS SHARMILA TAGORE PL WATCH HER ON THU NIGHT AT DD NEWS AND WATCH THE MAGIC OF DD RETURN

    MUSKAN on May 12th, 2015
  • 20

    Dear Sir,
    The names of two DD stalwarts also need a special reference–
    1. Mrs. Pratima Puri– DDs first news reader, in 58 who was a regular till late 70s
    and,
    2. Ms. Mukta Shrivastava– again a regular

    Dr Kaushal Kumar on May 16th, 2015
  • 21

    Dear Sir,
    The names of two DD stalwarts also need a special mention–
    1. Mrs. Pratima Puri– DDs first news reader, in 58 who was a regular till late 70s
    and,
    2. Ms. Mukta Shrivastava– again a regular

    Dr Kaushal Kumar on May 16th, 2015
  • 22

    Really Thanks a lot !! for bringing all TV personality at one place I want and we all family members wants to see all again on one stage in any TV big program and they all can be notminated for awards They are all real deserving for AWARDS We all saw them all from my childhood

    Thanks once again
    9953332547
    Suresh K Dev

    Suresh K Dev on May 27th, 2015
  • 23

    AND ONE MORE POPULAR ENGLISH NEWS READER NAME IS MISSING.
    THE NAME IS SANGITA V.BEDI SHE HAS ALSO A UNIQUE APPEARANCE.

    IBM JABRI on June 3rd, 2015
  • 24

    Nostalgic memories of those days…
    Very familiar faces of those day’s which has been forgotten for the past one and half decade…
    Thank you for refreshing the memories of these people who where an integral part of our childhood..

    Ashwin on June 7th, 2015
  • 25

    Great !old days
    Those were the day when all of us waited eagerly for the news and famous serials to be broadcast .
    In-fact the news readers were unmatchable to today’s news readers
    Most of the readers now a days don’t even have the time to pronounce the word distinctly .
    Oh! My God what has happened to this country and its culture

    Chandrachur Bose on June 9th, 2015
  • 26

    Yesteryear news readers had an impressive smile and an unrivalled mastery of their presentation skill

    Chandrachur Bose on June 12th, 2015
  • 27

    Great personalities

    Chandrachur Bose on June 12th, 2015
  • 28

    Will feel obliged if somebody can similar post for Marathi News readers and anchors Most of them became Actors fo fame like Bhakti Barve,Smita Talwalkar,Smita Patil etc.

    Narendra Kane on June 13th, 2015
  • 29

    It was an era where news reading was not merely confined to transmitting the information; it rather brought with it a class; sophistication and pride..
    People used to epitomize these figures for their style statements..
    Shobhna Jagdish for her puffed hair bun and cotton seedha pallu saaree and salma sultana for her georgette and chiffon saaree and a big red/pink blossomed rose tied neatly on the side of her open long hair..

    Sonia on June 14th, 2015
  • 30

    What should i mention in the website bar?

    Sonia Jain on June 14th, 2015
  • 31

    The list of yesterday News reader is not complte w/o the mention of :JV Raman, Salma Sultan,Tejeshwar Singh, Usha Albuquerque, Shammi Narang,Komal GB Singh.

    SANJAY KHANDELWAL on June 14th, 2015
  • 32

    where is Smita Patil’s photo as a newsreader ?

    sulu_82 on June 15th, 2015
  • 33

    I am chitra.i finished BE.i am interested in news reader.

    M.Chitra on July 15th, 2015
  • 34

    how can anyone forget deepak vohra

    Sonika Malhan on July 16th, 2015
  • 35

    This is great feeling for me to see all these great faces, who enriched our knowledge by their style of news reading.

    Sudhakar Dubey on August 9th, 2015
  • 36

    They all had grace and poise, not like today’s imposters who masquerade as news anchors. I shudder to think what the Rajdeeps and Arnabs of today would have done if they had existed when major events like Indira Gandhi’s assassination and man’s landing on the moon took place. I guess they would have fallen of their chairs, shouting and yelling themselves hoarse.

    Alka BZ on August 26th, 2015
  • 37

    there is another newsreader you have missed out sadhana srivastava

    narayanan on September 6th, 2015
  • 38

    JV Raman name is missing. He was one of THE BEST

    Anil Pujary on September 8th, 2015
  • 39

    Where is Ms Pratima Puri

    Ashok Malik on November 3rd, 2015
  • 40

    I would like to know the name of a english news reader who used to read in the years of 1999-2000. Please let me know if anyone of you guys know about her. I searched everywhere but couldn’t find. She was little bit chubby FYI…

    Prashant on November 4th, 2015
  • 41

    its a great time with unforgettable faces. these faces have there own identity and we easily identify them from there job, at that time we use to call them “news wale uncle or aunty” because at that time we didn’t know there name.Such a great time…… missing. I request please update google with these unforgettable memories.

    pranav upadhyay on December 2nd, 2015
  • 42

    it revived my old memories. Thank you very much for the article

    amit on December 8th, 2015
  • 43

    I remember all the above readers, and those also missing, and specially Deepak Vohra’s Quiz Show——it was amazing—-I think worth viewing even now ,…..and the Siddharth Basu’s Quiztime…………….awesome………..Kids should be given an opportunity to view them today also…………….what amazing knowledge they would gain………only if these popular channels can borrow them from DD and telecast them again.

    POONAM SAREEN on December 23rd, 2015
  • 44

    Luku Sanyal, Dolly Thakore – their name is also missing.

    Tanna on December 30th, 2015
  • 45

    I am very happy to see all these treasure at one place.always like to see ,listen,.want to see fututer too.
    madanjee.

    madanjee mishra on January 1st, 2016
  • 46

    Good looking Sadhana Srivastava is missing.

    RK on January 2nd, 2016
  • 47

    I like Avinash kaur sareen dressed traditionally in saree & big maroon bindi. Looks beautiful & her voice was mesmerizing. I would always eager to watch news whenever she is reading the news.

    nagaraj on January 17th, 2016
  • 48

    I was searching for these golden names since some time and got all of them at this place. Thanks. I became emotional to go back to 80’s and memorize all of them. It was all in Doordarshan.

    G Tripathy on January 22nd, 2016
  • 49

    Can Doordarshan re-telecast its old exercise program DUS KADAM anchored by Dr Narottam Puri. It was really an excellent program.

    N Hazari on March 10th, 2016
  • 50

    I chanced on this wonderful piece when my sister wanted to get some information about a DD serial. And it took me on a nostalgic trip. ‘Doordarshan’- what an idea and what a source of healthy ‘infotainment’. It enthralled, educated and united India. The news was the most eagerly awaited item and the news readers were almost like film stars. Each of them had and have loyal followers even today. I remember very well anxiously waiting for The Indian Express to read the critical and sometimes scathing comments of seasoned journalist and critic Amita malik on the news readers of DD. There was some kind of personal touch in the presentation of news which was less professional but more pleasant. We still remember those mellifluous signature tunes ( before the news, morning telecast, Rangoli etc)and the magic of DD still lingers on. For me and those who grew up with DD (born in the seventies)it is only DD.

    K.Sekhar on March 15th, 2016
  • 51

    Come back, 80’s…

    shiva on March 16th, 2016
  • 52

    J V Raman, Dolly Thakore, Sadhana Srivastava, Shivendra Kundra, Salma Sultan, Sukanya Balakrishnan — missing

    SYAM PRASAD on March 18th, 2016
  • 53

    really nostalgic moments…watching them reading news on our black and white tv…..and slow and steady got first colour television…..also watching ramayan serial was awsm….

    ajay on March 29th, 2016
  • 54

    Yes, I very much remember these familiar faces. The view filled my mind with nostalgia about those olden days.

    Two or 3 years ago, I read in The Times of India that some of these newsreaders of the yester-years were spotted together at a wedding. The news-item carried their photos in conversation.

    P Nayak on April 6th, 2016
  • 55

    Being a ladies man, I never missed an opportunity to watch Rini Simon Khanna and Shobhana Jagdish. There also was this pretty anchor by name of Mita Chaudhary. Anyone knows what these wonderful DD male and female anchors are doing?

    Harish on April 17th, 2016
  • 56

    Why my favorite new reader -sukanya balakrishnan was missed in this article.

    Bala on April 28th, 2016
  • 57

    Hi,

    You must have given more about Minu who is unique news reader also missing Mrinalini, kabir Bedi, J.B.Ramana and announce Muktha Srivatsava.

    Manohar

    Manohar Sakare on May 12th, 2016
  • 58

    Hi,

    You must have given more about Minu who is unique news reader also missing Mrinalini, kabir Bedi,suresh kumar,Appan Menon , J.B.Ramana and announce Muktha Srivatsava.

    Manohar

    Manohar Sakare on May 12th, 2016
  • 59

    A golden years my childhood days, will never forgate in the life.. Just request you please upload in youtube videos news of all anchor between years 1985 To 1995.

    Lok Nath Mishra on June 3rd, 2016
  • 60

    hello, I was thrilled to locate yesteryears real stars on doordarshans .

    Among hindi news makers ( i hate word news readers for these gems they never looked like reading a page viewer as they looked eye to eye in camera). they all had good given bass in their voice cords , just like big B..

    long leave salman sultan , komal singh , nithi R . greate loss in demise of Tejeswar .

    god blees them all ,

    can some one give me their cell no pl

    arun deshpande , nashik

    arun on June 19th, 2016
  • 61

    OnIndian TV in the 1960s, there was a lady who ran the program ‘Bacchon ke liye’. Not sure what her name is. Any information, pictures will be much appreciated.

    Ramaswamy on June 20th, 2016
  • 62

    There were a couple of ladies who use to give details on next day programme or provide a synopsis before the movie starts , one i remember her last name to be some koli.

    Prem on June 27th, 2016
  • 63

    what about Sadhana Srivastava, Prabjyot Kaur, Raman ? can you include them aswell?

    Mohan on July 13th, 2016
  • 64

    Took us back to the good old days and many more memories of those days .feeling nostalgic.
    Will be obliged if you could inform me where to get Vedic of a very popular programme of DD on aerobics -Dus Kadam

    bushra ahuja on August 4th, 2016
  • 65

    Took us back to the good old days and many more memories of those days .feeling nostalgic.
    Will be obliged if you could inform me where to get Vedio of a very popular programme of DD on aerobics -Dus Kadam

    bushra ahuja on August 4th, 2016
  • 66

    Yes, I remember Mr. Raman also!!What about him? Any ways all these personalities were just awesome. Going through these memories is very nostalgic. Felt very very good!!

    Yogesh A. on August 9th, 2016
  • 67

    Jyotsana also, she was not a newsreader, but she compered other programs. main announcer also

    Deewakar Kumar on August 11th, 2016
  • 68

    There is no mention of Minu & Sheela Chaman.

    Vrindesh on September 24th, 2016
  • 69

    Please add Mr. MZ Siddiqui, hindi news reader from Lucknow. Was news reader on National DD

    ZAFAR SIDDIQUI on October 5th, 2016
  • 70

    Also..where is albuqurque..

    Pradip on December 22nd, 2016
  • 71

    HOW You can forget SARITA SHETHI

    Ramnik Bhavsar on December 23rd, 2016
  • 72

    Remembering old days.

    Dr Rajendra kr Thakur on December 23rd, 2016
  • 73

    Those people were all grace and poise while presenting the news.

    In contrast, the way today’s noisemakers hurl and yell questions at you and tell you what your answer should be…..makes one cringe.

    Regarding topic discussions…well…..

    Today’s fishermen now use Whatsapp to haggle over prices silently. Today’s news “presenters” have taken over the mantle of yelling and providing cacophony – something that fishermen of old excelled at.

    dpmc on January 28th, 2017
  • 74

    Before Shammi Narang there was another forgotten Hindi news reader Mr. Ripusudan Kumar Ailawadi (KUMAR). Mr. Kumar left Radio Ceylon (SLBC) in August 1980 and for sometime read news on Delhi Doordarshan.

    Ashwani Sharma on February 2nd, 2017
  • 75

    Sir,
    How did you forget the most able and charming Sadhna Srivastav?

    prasad Rao on February 16th, 2017
  • 76

    When MRS INDIRA GANDHI’S CREMATION WAS over in 1984 a DD commentator finished with last words “850 million people 850 million problems ” still a fresh on the ears.
    Very good work of showing old faces of DD

    C R RAGHUNATHA RAO on February 18th, 2017
  • 77

    I remember those day when I wait for Avinash kaur Sarin I like she very much in my childhood, she is so beuatyful.

    Rony Joseph on February 20th, 2017
  • 78

    This was past of My Life which can not never back in my life. But All these news reader were manners fully and respect each other.
    and like each other.But Today News Reader aggressive quickly. what I seen debate on the news channel TV. I remember these days ,I think my mind though that “Thoda hai Thode Ki Jarorat Hai” Today life has changed totally and also cultural

    Amit Kaushik on March 2nd, 2017
  • 79

    Very heartening to view the faces of news readers of bygone years. All did their duty of presenting the news in a highly respectable and pleasing manner. I used to relish enjoy the DD news hour almost every night. Special mention should be made about Neeti Ravindran who has graced the screen and radio with her mellifluous,assertive voice enthralling the listener.I almost never missed when she was on radio or TV.God has given her the rare talent of graceful appearance and pleasant presentation of news.May God the Almighty grant her abundant grace in the days to come.

    Phelix Edward on March 3rd, 2017
  • 80

    Good information however one notable name and photo, not found,
    of Sarita Sethi.

    Bhasker Brahmbhatt on March 13th, 2017
  • 81

    I missed Shivendra Kundra and Suvendu Amitava, from English and hindi newsreading respectively, in the list. I was a die hard fan of both of them during my schooldays. I would like hear about both of them. If someone can enlighten.

    SAMIRAN MANDAL on March 13th, 2017
  • 82

    When I visit south India at first time, suddenly I was remember my childhood days famous doordarshan news reader Sukanya balkrishnan………Then just all of a sudden I saw this site ….I was just creasy to see all the super stars on the doordarshan those golden days…….Great…

    nitin ballal on March 22nd, 2017
  • 83

    Minu Talwar is mentioned, sadly Pratima puri is not mentioned, the first face on Indian TV

    Minu on March 26th, 2017
  • 84

    I think that was madhu Shrivastav

    Minu on March 26th, 2017
  • 85

    Nice to see Vinod dua and Tondon after a long time.

    Shekar padal on April 13th, 2017
  • 86

    love watching Nidhi kumar on DD national SHE IS REALLY GORGEOUS Would Like TO SEE MORE and MORE OF HER OBLIGE She is brilliant. You are the voice of the youth.

    PRAEEIPTA on April 18th, 2017
  • 87

    Where is name of news reader gajak a Nd meeta chaudhary

    Vaishali on April 25th, 2017
  • 88

    News reader gajala, kaveri Mukherjee, niti, minu were great.

    Vaishali on April 25th, 2017
  • 89

    You forgot ..

    Pratima Puri
    J V Raman
    Dolly Thakore
    and Mr Vohra .. I forgot his first name .. In Foreign Service

    Ish on April 26th, 2017
  • 90

    Deepak Vora

    Vivek on May 26th, 2017
  • 91

    Those people were all grace, remembering old days and many more memories of those days

    I MURALISANKAR on May 31st, 2017
  • 92

    You have also missed Ms. Sukanya Balakrishnan, Ramakrishnan

    Sridharan Krishnamurthy on June 1st, 2017
  • 93

    Sarla maheshwari great news anchor in india she is very beautyfull lady

    Pawan sarswat on July 3rd, 2017
  • 94

    There was one Mrinalini if I can remember, who has contributed as news reader.

    Dr N B JayaPrakash on July 6th, 2017
  • 95

    Not sure why Pratima Puri is not remembered and some of her contemporaries in English broadcast from that era? Before there was Salma, there was Pratima and boy what a grace, RIP!

    anil on July 8th, 2017
  • 96

    Shobhna jagadish is my favorite female news anchor all time ever

    Sumit kumar roy on July 12th, 2017
  • 97

    Shobhana jagdish is my favorite female news anchor all time ever

    Sumit kumar roy on July 12th, 2017
  • 98

    Remembering old doordarshan days.missing these amazing personalities.golden period of doordarshan.dashing,amazing,epic………………………………..come back old days….miss u lot.

    anurag saxena on July 23rd, 2017
  • 99

    Venkata raman J, Shivendra kundra, the husky voiced sukanya balakrishnan to add… memorable days with waiting for news was just as a daily show…gone r those golden days…. now a days, news has no meaning…. everything is feeling just as usual….

    Srinivas chary on July 23rd, 2017
  • 100

    Please include information on Pankaj Mohan the English news anchor. He also played the role of Gandhi’s secretary Mahadev Desai in Attenbrough’s movie Gandhi in 80’s.

    Subodh singh on August 14th, 2017
  • 101

    Where is the name of Tabasum

    Luiza on August 16th, 2017
  • 102

    The names of News Readers on All India Radio Hindi and English news, like Devki Nandan Pandey and many more are not mentioned. I fondly remember their crisp and effective voice which we all used to listen carefully because the news were not repeated and read in one complete sentence making the topic clear. Now a days people watching news are not so attentive. More attentive you are, more frustrated you are. The contents is delivered in pieces of a broken glass.

    Madan Lal on August 30th, 2017
  • 103

    My dear if you want to become a news reader in English,please learn the language and its grammar

    Preeta rao on September 1st, 2017
  • 104

    It is a wonder why a popular, stylish and most handsome newsreader like Shivendra Kundra is not mentioned. He not just ruled the roost during his era but had set a trend for college goers in his time.

    Radha on September 2nd, 2017
  • 105

    I was a die hard fan of Shivendra Kundra. Would be glad to know about him along with a photo of his.

    Radha on September 2nd, 2017
  • 106

    No one is mentioning NALIN KOHLI, the current BJP spokesperson. He was DD new reader in nineties

    ASHOK singh rawat on September 13th, 2017
  • 107

    What about udaybirssrsndas

    Rama Narasimham on September 15th, 2017
  • 108

    These golden days… the new generation would never understand. News was wanted, considered and watched like any soap of nowadays. We all remember these faces till date shows the difference between the latest batch of news readers who are more of noice than elegance. Miss those days..

    Alex Mathew on September 16th, 2017
  • 109

    I also remember Pankaj Mohan whose name is not yet come in. Really all those charming ladies and gentlemen can never be forgotten….!!

    Sriram on September 17th, 2017
  • 110

    I was very much pleased to hear the voices of Sukanya Balakrishnan,Shobhana Jagadeesh RiniKhanna and Geetanjali Aiyer and also their grace and charm.It is really nice to rejoice old memories

    Ravi Doddamani on September 17th, 2017
  • 111

    What about Anjali Rai ? I didn’t get her pic .

    Satwinderjit Kaur on September 21st, 2017
  • 112

    There is no mention of shiela chaman

    Keshav on September 25th, 2017
  • 113

    Nice article. Thank you…

    Sree on September 26th, 2017
  • 114

    I named my eldest daughter Mrinalini because of her.

    Yogesh Kumar Sarin on September 26th, 2017
  • 115

    Eyes became really wet looking at all those pictures.

    Komal Singh was my favourite. I had a chance to see her face to face when she was hired as announcer in my school’s annual day function held in Khel Gaon, Asiad Village in Saket, new delhi. I so much fell in love with her in my adolescent age that I even compelled my aunt name her newly born girl, my cousin as Komal…and she obliged…

    Those were the days. I wished they never ended.

    That baritone voice of Tajeshwar Singh. Who would’nt love hear news from him. Look at todays screaming, shouting, animal news readers like Arnab and all…hate them really…

    sanan on October 13th, 2017
  • 116

    DD was fantastic and the programmes that were aired had quality of content. The News was watched not only for what was happening across India and the world but also for the way it was presented. Definitely these people had eloquence and elegance that is very much missing these days.

    shivkumar r on October 24th, 2017
  • 117

    Pratima Puri had passed away more than a decade ago

    amaresh cashyap on October 25th, 2017
  • 118

    ???? ??? ?? ???? ???? ????. I miss all the golden days of doordarshan channel , and all great newsreders and anchor ?? ??? ?? ?????? channels ??? ??? . Such a golden era, thank u

    Rajendra kochure on October 30th, 2017
  • 119

    Tabassum in Phool Khile hain gulshangulshan also was a sweet person with a sweet smile. Siddhartha Basu was a WOW element of those days.

    Swati on November 1st, 2017
  • 120

    This is a great list but one of the lead anchors and celebrity show host Nidhi Kumar is missing.To put things in context, she is currently doing the AAJ SAVERE programme. She has a huge fan following in social media and good bunch of real lovers of her show across the country.
    Her selection of guest and professionally composed style of conversation just epitomizes the AAJ Savere show.
    It would be great if your team takes time to review her and consider in this list.

    Bikash Bhandary on November 1st, 2017
  • 121

    Doordharshan have long life span and so many big names of Anchor and News Reader yopu have not mentioned, if you have list, pl. put all golden era of Doordrashan.

    Thanks,
    Adarsh

    ADARSH on November 2nd, 2017
  • 122

    There was a smart looking guy with moustache rarely seen, good voice quality resembled Mr Bachhan.
    Can any one tell him name.

    Rafique on November 30th, 2017
  • 123

    Shivendra Kundra a guy with good pronunciation and manly handsome guy in the news readers list of DD

    Ram on January 17th, 2018
  • 124

    These collections have really reminded us those golden childhood moments sitting infront of the most wonderful T.V. sets. I like avinash kour sarin

    Gyanesh Acharya on January 31st, 2018
  • 125

    My favourite was Minu.When I wrote a letter appreciating her news reading immediately to my surprise I got reply
    By the way along with Narottam Puri
    Anupam Gulati were the sports quiz experts.
    Good old days…ery nice to remember…

    A Sundararajan on February 11th, 2018
  • 126

    Dear All News Reader,

    My great memorable rereads, I remember all of them,

    The way of speak, costume, a quick wit & wisdom, and many more things by which be loved forever.

    Suketu Chauhan on March 13th, 2018
  • 127

    Where is Mita Choudhary? Some of the most beautiful news reader.

    Narendra Mody. on March 17th, 2018
  • 128

    Thank you very much for the disclose of my childhood memories with prominent news readers

    Pratapreddy on May 5th, 2018
  • 129

    Salma sultan ji ki ek or bhi sbse badi khasiyat thi
    vo pure news time me bilkul bhi thoda sa bhi muskurati nhi thi
    ek dm serious ho kr ya yu kah lo k kuch jyada hi serious ho kr news padti thi but end me namaskar kahte hue halka sa muskura deti thi am tor pr vaha sunday evening time news reader hua krti thi

    babu on May 6th, 2018
  • 130

    What about Dolly Thakore, Nalini Singh and Siddharth Kak ??

    I have grown up listening to them reading news. My father would insist on listening to news reading so as to improve my English language skills.

    Khadeeja Ansari on May 16th, 2018
  • 131

    Sangeeta Bedi not mentioned.

    Rajashekhar Hosmath on May 24th, 2018
  • 132

    Want to see something written for Ragini Raina, most rememersble figure.

    M C Chaturvedi on June 17th, 2018
  • 133

    You forgot to mention ever smiling face of Sadhana Srivastav.

    BHAVIN V Modhs on July 26th, 2018
  • 134

    bro apne to sach me bilkul yaad taaza kr di us zamane ki.aisa lg rha h kal ki hi baat ho.salma sultan ji ki ye baat mujhe achhi tarah yaad hai.
    kaha gye wo log….kaha gye wo din.
    raghav sharma
    7985553204

    raghav on August 20th, 2018
  • 135

    You must be talking about Ramu Damodaranji, according to me that time he had moustache.

    Sharmila Petkar on September 4th, 2018
  • 136

    The images of these persons have pushed the reset button of my brain. I am starting again…

    DB Assam on October 4th, 2018
  • 137

    I think Nidhi kumar of SENSATIONAL Naional is the prettiest and the most articular anchor ever New India Sankalp is a must watch because of her glamour Wait to see her every Thu eve at 10 pm

    Sonu on November 18th, 2018
  • 138

    love watching NEW INDIA SANKALP WITH THE GORGEOUS ANCHOR NIDHI KUMAR Would like to see more of her

    mita ray on December 24th, 2018
  • 139

    I simply love Nidhi Kumar aand she is a great anchor articulateand very pretty love to see more of her on DDNational and news

    Abhishekh DUBEY on January 18th, 2019
  • 140

    You are right. They also missed out on J V Raman..

    Sagar on February 1st, 2019
  • 141

    DD was at its helm in those days. In the advent of cable TV, DD has also declined and lost its charm. Further those were the days, DD was managed efficiently by talented people without much politics like today. Almost all programs were enjoyable.

    Srinivasan on February 13th, 2019
  • 142

    Terrific site. I am 1956 born, and TV came to our house in 1966. I was 10 years old then, and my father bought a Disco TV, a bunch had come from – I believe – Yugoslavia. I remember all these faces very well. There was one comedian by the name of Kewal Kapoor (I think). He used to come in some comedy serial. Overall a very good site. Thanks.
    Professor Anil Aggrawal
    Director Professor of Forensic Medicine
    Maulana Azad Medical College
    anil@anilaggrawal.com

    Anil Aggrawal on February 26th, 2019
  • 143

    Liked most except Narottam Puri was such a dick to people and his face grimaced mostly like he had smelled a baby’s diaper before every sports show. Though brilliant but was unnecessarily abusive and conceited.

    Raj Bhatia on March 1st, 2019
  • 144

    Sarla Maheswari, Shammi Narang and Shobna Jagdish are my favorites.

    Shailesh Sachan on March 4th, 2019
  • 145

    Shammi Narang

    Shabbir on March 19th, 2019
  • 146

    Do you mean Deepak Vohra?
    He is an IAS.
    Definitely the most good looking, charming.
    How come Pratima Puri is not listed, the first face on Indian tv

    Minu on April 7th, 2019
  • 147

    My favourite English news reader was n is Neethi Ravindran from DD era

    Yogesh Chandna on May 28th, 2019
  • 148

    Shubhendu amitabh may b

    Aisha on August 19th, 2019
  • 149

    Great read. Doordarshan is the best broadcaster. Very ethical. These 24 hour channels have ruined the ethics, morals and quality of watching television.
    Pls get those old days only 12 hours of telecast.

    Sandeep Atre on August 21st, 2019
  • 150

    Deepak Vohra is missing

    Preeti Jain Jindal on September 10th, 2019
  • 151

    True. I used to listen hindi news for knowledge update and English news for language improvement.
    Awesome days…….

    SANJEEV KUMAR YADAV on September 22nd, 2019
  • 152

    That’s Shammi Narang

    Sanjay on October 23rd, 2019
  • 153

    U found abt mita chaudhary?

    Vivek on December 8th, 2019
  • 154

    Nice Article
    Thanks

    Shivani Wazir Pasrich on January 30th, 2020
  • 155

    There is a beautiful lady anchor who resembles Sharmila Tagore, I think you have missed her. Can somebody please tell me her name. I think it is some Nidhi or something like that.

    mebiv15225 on February 17th, 2020
  • 156

    There is a beautiful lady anchor who resembles Sharmila Tagore, I think you have missed her. Can somebody please tell me her name. I think it is some Nidhi or something like that.

    Mohan on February 17th, 2020
  • 157

    In my personal opinion Nidhi Kumar is the only anchor that knows what she is talking about. She seems to be the only intelligent anchor on National TV.

    Mohan on February 17th, 2020
  • 158

    Nidhi Kumar is one of the very few anchors who is talking about our environment and conducting interviews to spread some awareness as to how we can be more caring towards our environment. It’s so good to see a person still talking about the things that matter.

    Mohan on February 17th, 2020
  • 159

    My favourite newsreader Ramu Damodaran.Missing those golden days.

    Chandrakala on February 28th, 2020
  • 160

    Deepak Vohra, we need to see his younger face ….

    Suvodip Chakrabarty on April 6th, 2020
  • 161

    Deepak Vohra’s name is missing.

    kamala Puram on April 11th, 2020
  • 162

    He used to host one morning quiz show… what was the name?

    Daman on April 13th, 2020
  • 163

    I really feel great by watching our yester years news readers n remembering their individual styles ie some one with ? rose, others with their hair styles n with costumes. Beautiful women n handsome men with ever smiles one their face. It’s amazing to watch them once again.

    Raja Sudhakar Rachapudi on May 26th, 2020
  • 164

    I really feel great by watching our yester years news readers n remembering their individual styles ie some one with ? rose, others with their hair styles n with costumes. Beautiful women n handsome men with ever smiles one their face. It’s amazing to watch them once again.

    Raja Sudhakar Rachapudi on May 26th, 2020
  • 165

    Thank you for refreshing the old memories. God bless

    Raja Sudhakar Rachapudi on May 26th, 2020
  • 166

    happy to watch these beautiful ladies and gentlemen once again. God bless

    Raja Sudhakar Rachapudi on May 26th, 2020
  • 167

    Are you talking about shivendra Kundra?

    Aditi Singh on September 2nd, 2020
  • 168

    Shivendra Kundra is a layer based in Delhi

    Shevantika Nanda on September 2nd, 2020
  • 169

    Ramu Damodaran. Then & Forever

    Hemangi on September 26th, 2020
  • 170

    Deepak Vohra is currently MEA to PM Is he IAS??

    Abhinav Kumar on October 27th, 2020
  • 171

    mai nidhi kumar ka show “Mehmaan” bahut accha lagta hai jo aaj kal DD national par aa raha hai pehle inke new india sankalp bhi bahut gyan vardhak the mai aur pura pariwar inko dekhta hai asha karti hu ki inke aur bhi show hme dekhne ko mile jisse logo ko aur bhi jaankari mile aur sath mai ye bhi kehna chaungi ki ye mujhe bahut hi khoobsurat aur charmig bhi lgti hai inki fan following bhi bahut hai

    akanksha singh on November 28th, 2020
  • 172

    I love watching Mehmaan by the very pretty and glamours Nidhi kumar she also doing wonderful programmes on DD SCIENCE AND WITH BOLLYWOOD IN THE COVID TIMESiked
    mujhe inka Sadguru ke saath programe bahut accha laga ye jis ada se programe karti hai mere ghar me sabko pasand ata hai. Isliye inke followers millions mai hai

    sanskriti varma on November 30th, 2020
  • 173

    I love watching Mehmaan by the very pretty and glamours Nidhi kumar she also doing wonderful programmes on DD SCIENCE AND WITH BOLLYWOOD IN THE COVID TIMESiked
    mujhe inka Sadguru ke saath programe bahut accha laga ye jis ada se programe karti hai mere ghar me sabko pasand ata hai. Isliye inke followers millions mai hai

    Akanksha singh on November 30th, 2020
  • 174

    I was fan of Sangeeta Bedi then. Disappointed by not seeing her in the listing and her photo then.

    Nagesh Kamath on December 19th, 2020
  • 175

    I love watching Nidhi kumar on Mehmaan. So pretty. She looks loke Sharmila tagore. And her content is great. Love to see more pf her

    Amrita tyagi on May 26th, 2021
  • 176

    I love watching Nidhi kumar on Mehmaan. So pretty. She looks lovely And her content is great. Love to see more pf her

    Amrita tyagi on May 26th, 2021
  • 177

    I love To watch Nidhi kumar on her show mehmaan

    Amrita tyagi on May 26th, 2021
  • 178

    I love seeingNidhi kumar She brings a smile on mu face

    Amrita tyagi on May 26th, 2021
  • 179

    Anchor Nidhi Kumar is so beautiful and graceful and very impressive we watch her show Mehmaan regularly we need more shows like this shows

    Pawan Shukla on May 31st, 2021
  • 180

    Anchor Nidhi Kumar bahut hi khoobsurat aur behtreen kalakaar hai mai bhaut salo se inka program Mehmaan dekhta hu hum inhe aur bhi dekhna chahte hai hmara pura pariwar inko bahut pasand karta hai

    Vijay Sharma on May 31st, 2021
  • 181

    In fact DD was a tool for politicians at that time. Rajiv Gandhi was accused of using DD to his image building. What are you saying?

    Ajay Acharya on June 9th, 2021
  • 182

    Really enjoyed this article.. stumbled upon it while searching for Doordarshan archives!..

    My grandfather conducted interviews for the Marathi Doordarshan show “Kaamgar Vishva” I was hoping to find a few interviews online..

    It would be a great assistance if you could help me find it online or offline.. thanks

    malvika on August 29th, 2021
  • 183

    Where is Nirmala Mathan, Luku Sanyal and Dolly Thakore? Why they’ve been omitted? Even they deserve a special mention in the above list since as viewers we’ve been a fan of them too. Kindly take note.

    Sudha Hariharan on November 12th, 2021
  • 184

    Why there’s no mention about Nirmala Mathan, Luku Sanyal and Dolly Thakore? Even they deserve a special mention since we as viewers used to enjoy watching them too.

    Sudha Hariharan on November 12th, 2021
  • 185

    Deepak vohra was Doordarshan anchor not news reader.

    Jagjivan Ram on January 14th, 2022
  • 186

    There’s no photo of Doordarshan’s Anchor Amita Kohli. Pls post her photo, if available.

    Lalitkumar Meshram on September 15th, 2022
  • 187

    There’s no photo of Doordarshan’s Anchor Amita Kohli in the above post. Pls post her photo, if available.

    Lalitkumar Meshram on September 15th, 2022
  • 188

    Nidhi kumar DD She is gorgeous Get her back She brings vakue

    Sonal on December 10th, 2022
  • 189

    Love watching Nidhi Kumar on DD her name is synonymous with DD

    Umesh on December 10th, 2022
  • 190

    Yes, Indeed Deepak Vohra who later became diplomate, I remember him anchoring morning show. Some puppets or ventriloquists were used as Nana and naniji..

    Pragya on December 26th, 2022