Gitanjali Aiyar, popular Doordarshan news anchor, passes away
She was known not just for her immaculate accent but also for her calm and poise
Prominent news anchor Gitanjali Aiyar, who graced the screens of Doordarshan for decades, passed away in Delhi at the age of 71. Gitanjali had been facing health issues for some time, and her demise marks the end of an era characterized by grace and dignity in television news. In an era before news studios became chaotic war rooms and presenters engaged in shouting matches, Gitanjali stood out with her eloquent delivery and unbiased demeanor.
During her time on Doordarshan's prime-time news at 9 p.m., Gitanjali became a household name. Teachers often encouraged students to listen to her, along with Neethi Ravindran and Rini Simon, to improve their English. Unlike the present, teleprompters were not yet common in news studios, and even when they were introduced, technical glitches during live broadcasts were not uncommon. However, Gitanjali remained unperturbed, known for her impeccable accent and composed presence.
Gitanjali embarked on her career with All India Radio before joining Doordarshan in 1971. She received recognition as the best anchor four times and was honored with the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award for Outstanding Women in 1989. Besides her work in news, Gitanjali showcased her talents beyond the news industry. Even as a child, she aspired to become a news reader and excelled in elocution events during her student days. After graduating from Kolkata's Loreto College, she pursued a diploma from the National School of Drama, which allowed her to explore various avenues in the entertainment industry. She also gained popularity through her role in the widely acclaimed Doordarshan teleserial called "Khandaan" during the mid-1980s.
Gitanjali's influence was such that she appeared in commercials for Solidaire television and Marmite, further amplifying her reach. Her unflappable demeanor in the face of technological glitches at the early stages of Doordarshan resonated well with the tagline of the Solidare advertisement, "that seldom fails."
Gitanjali Aiyar's contribution to the field of news anchoring and her lasting impact on the audience will always be remembered. She embodied an era of professionalism, eloquence, and impartiality, setting a high standard for news presenters to follow..
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