Legendary Telugu Newsreader Shanti Swaroop: A Legacy Etched in History

Shanti Swaroop's name is synonymous with the birth of Telugu television news. He wasn't just a newsreader; his voice, with its remarkable clarity and depth, became the soundtrack for countless Telugu households as they tuned in for their daily dose of current affairs. But Shanti Swaroop's life story extends far beyond the news studio, encompassing a dedication to language, a love for learning, and a career that left an indelible mark. Shanti Swaroop, fell silent on Friday (05-04-2024) morning at a city hospital. Here are the important bullet points summarizing the information about Shanti Swaroop, the first voice on Telugu Doordarshan:

1. Introduction:
• Shanti Swaroop, the inaugural voice on Telugu Doordarshan, passed away.
• His first broadcast was on November 14, 1983, at 7 p.m., where he reported on Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao’s attendance at Children’s Day celebrations in Hyderabad.
2. Broadcasting Challenges:
• Initially, there was no teleprompter, so Shanti Swaroop memorized the news.
• He avoided glancing at written papers during broadcasts, creating a deliberate and measured delivery.
3. Family and Career:
• His wife, Roja Rani, was also an anchor on Doordarshan.
• Roja Rani began her career as a child actor in Krishna’s movie “Thene Manasulu” (1965).
4. Pioneered Telugu Television: Played a key role in the early stages of Telugu TV broadcasting (1970s).
5. First Telugu Anchor: Anchored educational and health programs for SITE (Satellite Instructional Television Experiment) in 1975.
6. First Telugu Newsreader: Launched the first Telugu news bulletin on Doordarshan in 1983.

May Shanti Swaroop’s soul rest in peace, and heartfelt condolences to his family. 🙏📺Q1. When did Shanti Swaroop make his first broadcast on Telugu Doordarshan?