Featured BiographyImage source: StarsUnfolded
Quick Info
Date of birth16 March 1947
Age76 Years (as of 2023)
BirthplaceBhopal, Madhya Pradesh
ProfessionJournalist, Director, Designer
NationalityIndian
Marital statusMarried
SpouseAamir Kidwai
FamilySon - Saad Kidwai; Daughter - Sana; Father - Mohammed Asghar Ansari; Sister - Maimoona Sultan (deceased)
Salma Sultan Biography
Salma Sultan is an Indian journalist and former Doordarshan newsreader who became a familiar face to television audiences after joining the national public
Early life and backgroundSalma Sultan was born on 16 March 1947 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. She completed her schooling in Sultanpur, Madhya Pradesh, and went on to earn a Master’s degree in English from Indraprastha College for Women in Delhi. Her father, Mohammed Asghar Ansari, served as a secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture. She had an elder sister, Maimoona Sultan, who was active in politics as a member of the Indian National Congress.
Career
Salma Sultan joined Doordarshan in 1967 after auditioning while she was pursuing her postgraduate studies. She established herself as a prominent newsreader and became widely recognized for both her delivery and on-screen presence. During her early years at Doordarshan she described modest earnings; later she remained the trusted face for viewers through several decades.
One of the most notable moments in her broadcasting career came in 1984, when she announced the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to the nation on Doordarshan. Sultan continued with Doordarshan until she resigned from her anchor role in 1997.
Following her departure from newsreading, she transitioned to creative work behind the camera. She directed television programmes and documentary material, including shows titled Panchtantra Se and Jalte Sawal, and a documentary called Doordarshan Kuch Baatein Kuch Yaadein that traced aspects of Doordarshan’s history.
Public profile
Salma Sultan’s personal style became part of her public image; she was known for draping sarees in a distinctive V-style and often wore a rose in her hair. She has explained that the particular way she styled her sarees grew from practical choices—ways to coordinate limited blouses with multiple sarees—and evolved into a signature look.
Alongside her work in broadcasting and directing, Sultan pursued interests in design and interior decoration. She has undertaken interior design work for her own home and for friends. Later in life she launched a saree label called Saree Sanskriti. At age 72 she made her first ramp walk in connection with that business venture.
Salma Sultan has also expressed herself through writing and performing poetry and counts dancing and music among her hobbies.
Personal life
Salma Sultan is married to Aamir Kidwai, who worked at Engineers India Limited. The couple have two children: a son, Saad Kidwai, who served as an Income Tax Commissioner, and a daughter, Sana, who is a choreographer.
Physical attributes and other details
She is approximately 165 cm tall (about 5 feet 5 inches) with black hair and black eyes. Her zodiac sign is Pisces and she holds Indian nationality.
Latest updates
After leaving the news desk in 1997, Sultan continued to work in television direction and later developed her saree label, appearing on the ramp to promote the brand at the age of 72. Her ongoing public activities have blended design, cultural presentation, and a continued interest in the arts.
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Recent Work
Television programme directed by Salma Sultan after leaving Doordarshan
Television programme directed by Salma Sultan after leaving Doordarshan
Documentary directed by Salma Sultan portraying the history of Doordarshan
Career Highlights
- Joined Doordarshan as a newsreader in 1967
- Announced the news of Indira Gandhi’s assassination on Doordarshan in 1984
- Resigned from Doordarshan as an anchor in 1997 and moved into directing and design
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Salma Sultan born?
Salma Sultan was born on 16 March 1947.
What is Salma Sultan known for?
Salma Sultan is known for journalist, Director, Designer.
What is Salma Sultan’s marital status?
Salma Sultan's marital status is listed as Married.
Who is Salma Sultan married to?
Salma Sultan is publicly listed as married to Aamir Kidwai.

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