Salma Sultan, a prominent figure in Indian television journalism, was born into a distinguished family in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Her father was a government secretary and scholar, and her older sister was a Member of Parliament. Her lineage traces back to Afghan royalty. After completing her schooling in Sultanpur, she earned a graduate degree from Maharani Laxmibai College in Bhopal and later a Master’s in English from Indraprastha College for Women in Delhi.
In 1967, at the young age of 23, Sultan began her journey with Doordarshan, India’s sole television broadcaster at the time. She initially auditioned as an announcer but persistently pursued her ambition to become a newsreader, a role then typically held by more senior individuals. Her opportunity arose when a regular news anchor refused to go on air, and she was called in as a replacement. This marked the beginning of a remarkable three-decade career that established her as a household name across the nation. From 1967 until her retirement in 1997, she was a constant presence on Indian television screens, delivering the daily news with a signature calm and graceful demeanour that resonated with millions of viewers.
One of the most defining moments of her career was her broadcast on October 31, 1984, when she announced the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Her composed and dignified delivery of this tragic news during a moment of national crisis left a lasting impression on the collective memory of the Indian public, solidifying her reputation for professionalism.
Beyond her journalistic integrity, Salma Sultan became a significant style icon. Her unique way of draping her sari, with the border elegantly wrapped around her neck, and the fresh rose she habitually wore in her hair, became her trademarks. This distinctive style was widely admired and emulated, setting a new trend for television presenters and becoming synonymous with her persona.
After retiring from news anchoring, Sultan did not leave the world of television. She founded her own production company, Lensview Private Limited, and transitioned into directing and producing television serials. Her work in this new role often carried strong social messages, with a particular focus on women’s issues in series like “Jalte Sawal.” She also created popular programs such as “Panchtantra Se” and “Suno Kahani.” Furthermore, she explored her interest in fashion by launching her own sari label, “Saree Sanskriti.”
In her personal life, Salma Sultan was married to Aamir Kidwai, an executive with Engineers India Limited, and they had two children, a son who is an Income Tax Commissioner and a daughter who works as a choreographer. Now residing in Delhi, her legacy endures as a pioneer who brought poise, warmth, and a unique personal style to Indian news broadcasting, influencing generations of journalists who followed.