Indian TV anchor Rohit Sardana dies at age 42

The journalist suffered a fatal heart attack

TV anchor Rohit Sardana has died at the age of 42. Courtesy Rohit Sardana Facebook

Popular Indian television journalist Rohit Sardana died on Friday at the age of 42.

While he had recently tested positive for Covid-19, the cause of death was a heart attack. Sardana was a senior anchor at the Aaj Tak news channel and formerly hosted Taal Thok Ke, a programme on Zee News that focuses on contemporary issues in India.

Condolences have come in for a "fearless", "straightforward" and "brave" journalist who, according to India's Home Minister Amit Shah, "always stood up for fair and unbiased reporting".

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the charge, tweeting: “Rohit Sardana left us too soon. Full of energy, passionate about India’s progress and a kind hearted soul, Rohit will be missed by many people. His untimely demise has left a huge void in the media world. Condolences to his family, friends and admirers. Om Shanti.”

Rahul Kanwal, one of Sardana's colleagues at Aaj Tak, spoke of the brilliance of his former colleague, praising his turn of phrase, precise questions and warm and humble personality.