This comprehensive biography explores the life and career of Neelam Sharma, a renowned Indian news anchor whose contributions to Doordarshan remain unforgettable. Her legacy extends beyond her impressive professional achievements.
Wiki/Biography
Neelam Sharma was born in 1969. At the time of her death, she was 50 years old. She pursued her higher education at prestigious institutions in New Delhi. She graduated from Lady Shri Ram College for Women. Following this, she obtained a diploma in Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and later earned a master’s degree in Journalism from the Mass Communication Research Centre at Jamia Millia Islamia University.
Family, Caste & Husband
Neelam hailed from a Brahmin family and spent a significant portion of her life in New Delhi. She is survived by her husband and a son.
Career
Neelam’s career in journalism began in 1995 with Doordarshan. Her work on DD National’s prime-time news show quickly made her a household name. Beyond anchoring, she showcased her versatility by hosting, writing, and directing several shows for DD News.
Some of her most popular shows included “Charcha Mein,” “Ehsaas,” and “Tejaswini.” She was a founding member of DD News and dedicated over two and a half decades to Doordarshan.
Neelam was celebrated not only for her exceptional anchoring skills but also for her elegant and traditional attire—often seen in a silk saree, bindi, and with her hair open. This distinct style further enhanced her public image and resonated deeply with viewers.
Awards
Throughout her career, Neelam’s exceptional work earned her several prestigious awards:
- Aadhi Abadi Women Achievers Awards 2010
- Media Maharathi 2013
- KPS Gill “Fearless Indian” award for excellence in journalism 2017
- Nari Shakti Puraskar 2019
Death
On August 17, 2019, Neelam Sharma passed away due to bronchopneumonia at a private hospital in Noida. Her passing was met with widespread grief and tributes from colleagues and viewers alike. Doordarshan News officially announced her death via a tweet.
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Aadhi Abadi Women Achievers Award | 2010 |
| Media Maharathi | 2013 |
| KPS Gill “Fearless Indian” Award | 2017 |
| Nari Shakti Puraskar | 2019 |
Doordarshan News paid a fitting tribute to their esteemed anchor with a special commemorative show. Her contributions to Indian journalism are enduring.
