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.
Rohit Sardana was the sharpest young anchor I have met. Superb command over Hindi, brilliant with his turn of the phrase, precise questions, clear in his thinking, loved by the masses, warm and humble off the screen, he was destined for great things. Our newsroom is in deep shock
— Rahul Kanwal (@rahulkanwal) April 30, 2021