Rohit Sardana, 40 senior journalist and one of the top anchors of the Hindi news channel Aaj Tak passed away on Friday due to a heart attack, according to people close to him. Recently, he tested positive for Covid-19.
Apart from his colleagues, several political leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took to social media to express their sadness over the untimely demise of Sardana.
Zee News editor-in-chief Sudhir Chaudhary tweeted in Hindi, “A little while ago I got a call from @capt_ivane. Hearing what he said, my hands trembled. It was the news of the demise of our friend and colleague Rohit Sardana. The virus would not have picked anyone so close to us. I was not ready for this. God has injustice ..ॐ peace.” Sardana and Chaudhary have worked together before in Zee News.
“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,” PM Modi tweeted.
“The sad news of the demise of senior TV journalist Rohit Sardana Ji is shocking. May God place his soul at his feet and give the family the courage to bear this sorrow,” Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.
Hailing Sardana as a brave journalist, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “Pained to learn about Shri Rohit Sardana ji’s untimely demise. In him, the nation has lost a brave journalist who always stood up for unbiased and fair reporting. May God give his family the strength to bear this tragic loss. My deepest condolences to his family and followers.”
Rajdeep Sardesai took to Twitter and wrote, "More terrible news friends. Well, known Tv news anchor Rohit Sardana has passed away. Had a heart attack this morning. Deep condolences to his family. RIP."
Taking about how Rohit Sardana amplified messages of people who are fighting Covid, Civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, "He was retweeting people’s appeals for help till yesterday & today he is gone. Deeply shocked & saddened to hear about the passing of the young & spirited journalist Sh Rohit Sardana. Condolences to his family & friends.”
Former India cricketer Virendra Sehwag wrote, "Speechless. May God give strength to the young kids and family. Rohit Sardana. Om Shanti"
"Shocked & pained to hear about Aajtak’s renowned anchor Rohit Sardana's sudden demise. I pray God to give strength and courage to his family & friends to bear this loss. May his departed soul rest in peace," wrote RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.
Union minister Kiren Rijiju said, “I’m deeply shocked & saddened to hear heartbreaking news of senior journalist Rohit Sardana’s demise. He was a fearless and straightforward journalist. May his departed soul rest in peace.”
Sardana was a promising journalist, remembered Union minister Jitendra Singh. He wrote, “A promising journalistic career abruptly cut short. His best was yet to come. Young Rohit Sardana, who was only yesterday tweeting to arrange help for COVID victims, has himself succumbed to the cruel pandemic.”
Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala in a tweet said, "Deeply saddened and shocked to hear about the demise of Aaj Tak journalist Rohit Sardana. It's simply unbelievable. Rohit had recovered from Covid-19 and was back at work. My heartfelt condolences to the family members and Aaj Tak group."
Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill also took to Twitter and wrote, "Completely shocked on hearing the news about passing away of my dear friend Rohit Sardana - spoke to him last Sunday and he was in great spirits!! Still can't come to terms with this - will forever cherish our after debate conversations, rest in peace "bhaji"."
Sardana had joined Aaj Tak in 2017 after he left Zee News. He hosted the debate show "Dangal" on Aaj Tak.
In 2018, Sardana was awarded Ganesh Vidyarthi Puraskar Award. He was among the most popular faces of TV news journalism in India.