Sudha Sharma, face of Akashvani Indore’s “Humare Mehmaan,” retires

‘ Radio announcers recognized by their voices, not their faces’

Kirti Rana

Indore: While the faces of reporters are still visible in newspapers and news channels, announcers associated with All India Radio present programs daily, but their only recognition comes from regular listeners who recognize their voices. These listeners may not be familiar with the faces, but they recognize the announcer simply by listening to the radio broadcast. “Humare Mehmaan” has been a popular program at Akashvani’s Indore station. Sudha Sharma, the last permanent female announcer at the Indore station, who had presented this weekly program along with other routine programs for a long time, retired on Tuesday. She was also recognized by listeners for her voice. Office Head Sudarshan Ansolia, Program Head Brahma Prakash Chaturvedi, and other members of the Indore station bid farewell to Sudha Sharma in an intimate ceremony.
All India Radio has two categories of announcers: permanent and casual. At the Indore station,
Currently, there are 20 casual female artists and 8 casual male artists, who are on rotational duty. Sudha Sharma, the permanent announcer, and her assistant, Mukam Singh Chauhan, have been popular for their diverse live programs.
Sudha Sharma, known for her program “Humare Mehmaan,” joined AIR on January 1, 1990. In a conversation with “Newsbuddy” Sudha said, “During the COVID-19 years, when the atmosphere was terrifying, I myself was infected with COVID-19 and narrowly escaped death. Radio became the only hope for survival. The program “Jeet Jayenge Hum” raised awareness and entertained listeners. In the second phase, I conducted 700 interviews with celebrities from various fields, the message of which was that life is worth living. Mukam Singh and I performed for the entire 45 days of the Prayagraj Mahakumbh.” To make listeners aware of cybercrime, we conducted over 50 programs with experts including police officers familiar with cybercrime, and also addressed listeners’ queries with expert doctors in radio discussions on prevention of various serious diseases.

🔹 These women have been the announcers of Indore station:
Yes, I am fortunate that the radio chose me, and I am proud of every work of an announcer. Before me, there were Sharda Simon, Sudesh Hinduja, Indu Joshi, Anita Joshi (Malik), Maya Srivastava, Kamla Pandey, Nimmi Mathur, Devender Kaur Madhu, and I am also proud that I will be etched in the pages of history as the last permanent female voice of Indore Radio.

🔹Interviewed eminent personalities including Lata Mangeshkar, Usha Mangeshkar, Sushil Doshi, Hema Malini, Talat Mahmood, Dr. Naresh Trehan, economist Bharat Jhunjhunwala, Sudesh Bhosale, Alka Yagnik, Anuradha Paudwal, Lt. Gen. Sandhu, Annu Malik, Home Minister of Delhi Government, Rahat Indori, Shankaracharyaji, Live commentary of Shahi Snan Simhastha 2016, Live coverage of Mahakal’s Royal Ride and Mahashivratri, Live commentary on the Prime Minister’s visit on September 17, 2025. Live commentary on the Global Summit. Also produced several programs on
State Hook Ups and National Hook Ups.