Gitanjali Aiyar, one of India’s first English female news presenters on national broadcaster Doordarshan, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. She was in her mid 70s. The award-winning anchor, who was suffering from Parkinson’s disease, collapsed after returning home from a walk, sources close to the family said. In this article, we will look at the life and achievements of Gitanjali Aiyar, who made an enduring impact on the Indian media throughout her remarkable career spanning over three decades.
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Early Life and Education
Gitanjali Aiyar was born on January 29, 1947 in Delhi. She was the daughter of K. P. S. Menon, a diplomat and writer, and Sumitra Menon, a social worker and author. She had two brothers, K. P. S. Menon Jr., a former foreign secretary of India, and Shivshankar Menon, a former national security adviser of India.
Gitanjali Aiyar completed her schooling from Cathedral & John Connon School in Mumbai. She graduated from Loreto College in Kolkata, West Bengal. She then earned a diploma from the National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi, where she developed her interest and skills in theatre and drama.
Career and Achievements
Gitanjali Aiyar joined Doordarshan in 1971 as a prime-time news anchor. She was the familiar face delivering the 9:00 pm English news several times a week for more than ten years. She was known for her warm and elegant voice, her impeccable pronunciation and diction, and her graceful and confident demeanor. She was also one of the first female anchors to wear a saree on screen, setting a trend for many others to follow.
Besides presenting news programmes, Aiyar also captivated the audience’s attention as the host of a range of popular shows. One such program was ‘A Date With You,’ a delight for English music enthusiasts who eagerly awaited their song requests to be played every Friday night on All India Radio. She also hosted ‘The World This Week,’ a weekly news magazine that covered international affairs and events.
Aiyar also ventured into acting and modelling during her career. She appeared in several print advertisements for brands such as Lipton Tea, Bata Shoes, and Lux Soap. She also acted in Sridhar Kshirsagar’s TV drama ‘Khandaan,’ where she played the role of a modern and independent woman.
Aiyar received several accolades and awards for her outstanding work in the field of journalism and broadcasting. She was awarded the best anchor four times during her tenure at Doordarshan. She also won the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award for Outstanding Women in 1989.
Personal Life and Death
Gitanjali Aiyar married Swaminathan S. Anklesaria Aiyar, an economist, journalist, and columnist, in 1972. The couple had two children: a son, Shekhar Aiyar, who works at International Monetary Fund in the United States; and a daughter, Pallavi Aiyar, who is a foreign correspondent and author.
The couple separated in 1994 but remained friends till the end. Aiyar was also close to her siblings and their families.
Aiyar was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2010 and had been on medication since then. She suffered from a brain haemorrhage on June 7, 2023 and passed away at her residence in New Delhi.
Legacy and Tributes
Gitanjali Aiyar left behind a legacy of excellence and professionalism in the field of media and journalism. She inspired generations of women to pursue their dreams and passions with confidence and dignity. She was also a woman of immense substance and grace, who touched the lives of many with her kindness and generosity.
Many noted personalities took to social media to condole the demise of the eminent personality. Congress leader Netta D’Souza tweeted: “We fondly remember the days when Gitanjali Aiyar ji graced our TV screens, leaving an indelible mark on our news-watching experiences. Saddened by her untimely demise, my heartfelt condolences to her loved ones. May she find eternal peace.”
Journalist Sheela Bhatt tweeted: “Gitanjali Aiyar, India’s one of the best tv newsreaders, warm and elegant person and woman of immense substance passed away today. Deepest condolences to her family.”
Doordarshan also paid tribute to its former anchor by airing some of her memorable clips and interviews on its channel.
Gitanjali Aiyar will always be remembered as a pioneer and a legend in the history of Indian media and broadcasting. She will be missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and admirers. May her soul rest in peace.
