Veteran news anchor of Doordarshan Neelum Sharma passed away at the age of 50, the public broadcaster said on Saturday.
Sharma, one of the founding anchors of DD News, was a Nari Shakti awardee and was battling cancer.
DD News in a tweet said Sharma was a founding anchor with over 20 years of association with the organisation.
"She played a stellar role in many capacities. From 'Badi Charcha' to 'Tejasvini' her path breaking progs won accolades including Nari Shakti Award," DD News said.
DD News stands with the family of Neelum Sharma in this hour of grief, it said.
Senior management of Prasar Bharati also offered condolences on the passing away of the veteran news reader.
Shashi Shekhar, the CEO of Prasar Bharati, offered condolences to the bereaved family members on behalf of the organisation.
"I am shocked to hear that Neelum Sharma, the celebrated Anchor of Doordarshan is no more. She truly symbolised ‘Naari Shakti’, the national award she received from the Hon. President," Prasar Bharati Chairman A Surya Prakash tweeted.
"We have lost our ‘Tejaswini’," he said.
DG Doordarshan Supriya Sahu also offered her condolences and highlighted Ms Sharma's role in establishing DD News' brand.
"Extremely sad news of sudden demise of our colleague at DD News Ms Neelum Sharma. For over 20 years with #Doordarshan she played a key role in establishing Brand #DDNews making inroads in people’s heart. Heartfelt condolences from DD Family. We will miss you badly," she tweeted.
