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Sindhu Sooryakumar, Anchor: Profile, Bio, Age, Husband and Family



Sindhu Suryakumar (also spelled Sooryakumar) is a veteran Malayalam news anchor and editor, best known as the face and executive editor of Asianet News. With over two decades in broadcast journalism, she has cemented her reputation as one of Kerala’s most incisive and fearless news anchors.

▶️ Career Journey

  • Early Beginnings: Sindhu joined Asianet News in the early 2000s. Her eye for detail and ability to drive conversation quickly elevated her from newsreader to anchor.

  • Cover Story: Since 2006, she has hosted Cover Story, a weekly current-affairs show where she showcases political developments with sharp analysis. Over 635 episodes and counting, Sindhu has dissected issues that resonate deeply with viewers (thenewsminute.com).

  • Leadership Role: As chief coordinating editor, she not only anchors but also oversees content planning, direction, and editorial standards at Asianet News.

🎙️ Style & Influence

  • Thoughtful Journalism: Known for her calm, probing style, Sindhu excels at bringing hidden layers of context to viewers. Her goal is to ask what the public thinks but isn't hearing.

  • Late‑Night Commitment: Every Friday night, she finalises scripts. Most of the anchor portions are recorded Saturday evenings—all under tight deadline pressure.

  • Fearless Moderation: Whether leaders from Left, Centre, or Right, no politician remains untouched. This fearlessness has endeared her to the audience—but earned her some powerful enemies too (newslaundry.com, thenewsminute.com).

📰 Controversies & Legal Battles

1. Cyber‑lynching after Mahishasura debate (2016)

  • In Feb 2016, she anchored a debate around HRD Minister Smriti Irani’s claim quoting a pamphlet that labelled Goddess Durga a "sex worker". Although Sindhu did not echo the label, it became a central point of her discussion.

  • The debate triggered over 2,000 abusive and threatening calls directed at her (onmanorama.com), later rising to at least 2,500 calls (hindustantimes.com).

  • Kerala Police arrested five individuals—linked to BJP, RSS, and Sri Rama Sena—for circulating her personal number and harassing her (newslaundry.com).

  • Sindhu and fellow journalists highlighted it as an organised attempt to silence a female anchor. She stated: “This is an organised crime by Right wing groups.” Her stance was backed by protests from journalist groups and flag‑raising by media watchdogs (newslaundry.com).

2. POCSO Case Quashed (April 2025)

  • In Nov 2022, a program on drug abuse titled Narcotics is a Dirty Business aired by Asianet News prompted legal action: sedition under POCSO, forgery, and Juvenile Justice allegations, after featuring a minor (indianexpress.com).

  • In April 2025, the Kerala High Court dismissed all charges against Sindhu and staff, labelling the report “alerting the public to rising drug use” and lacking intent to defame (thenewsminute.com).

  • The court framed the verdict as a triumph for the freedom of media, encouraging investigative journalism in the face of threats .

3. "Prejudiced" Commentary on Kumbh Mela (March 2025)

  • In March 2025, Sindhu critiqued the political and cultural influence of the Mahakumbh Mela, noting increased participation from Kerala—sparked social media backlash.

  • Critics accused her of biased views against Hindu traditions, even calling them ‘bigotry’ (organiser.org).

  • BJP-affiliated voices argued that her comments reflected anti-Hindu media bias; former minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar urged Asianet to respect spiritual diversity (organiser.org).

📝 Personal & Professional Profile

Aspect Details
Name Sindhu Suryakumar (also “Sooryakumar”)
Position Executive Editor & Anchor, Asianet News
Experience Over 20 years in journalism
Signature Show Cover Story – in production since 2006
Editorial Style Clear, calm, incisive; known to challenge all political factions
Professional Shift From reporter to anchor to leadership in newsroom
Education (Details not publicly disclosed; typical trajectory includes mass communication or arts background in Kerala)

🔍 Recent News & Focus Areas

  • April 2025: High Court quashes POCSO allegations—Vindication for Sindhu and her crew (thenewsminute.com, newslaundry.com, thenewsminute.com).

  • Ongoing: Hosting Cover Story, dissecting key state/national issues weekly.

  • March 2025: Stirred controversy over remarks on the cultural nuance of Kumbh Mela (organiser.org).

  • Legacy: Continues facing occasional criticism from conservative groups, but remains a journalistic force.

⭐ Why She Matters

  1. Champion of Accountability: Sindhu brings political stakeholders into the spotlight, pushing for deeper insight.

  2. Women in Media: Her presence and rise signal a sea-change in Kerala: from token newsreaders to real power players (thenewsminute.com).

  3. Resilience: Despite cyber-bullying, legal accusations, and cultural backlash, she has emerged stronger and more respected.

  4. Public Education: Her programming educates viewers on constitutional rights, drug policies, cultural shifts—and more.

🔎 Interesting Facts & FAQs

🎯 Top Facts

  1. 14‑Year Streak: Hosted over 635 episodes of Cover Story since 2006 (thenewsminute.com).

  2. Fearless Moderation: Known to confront both Left and Right bigwigs on live television.

  3. Trailblazer: One of the earliest female anchors in prime time Malayalam news.

  4. Courtroom Triumph: Secured a pivotal legal win in April 2025, safeguarding journalism freedoms.

  5. Cyber‑attack Survivor: Faced 2,500+ threat calls in a 2016 cyber campaign targeting her integrity and safety (hindustantimes.com).

❓ FAQs

Q: Is Sindhu Suryakumar married?
A: She keeps personal life private; marriage details aren’t in the public domain.

Q: Does she write?
A: Primarily a TV journalist. She may write occasional editorials or articles but is known mostly for broadcast work.

Q: What are her awards?
A: Asianet News has received various acknowledgement and Sindhu's programs are often lauded, though specific award lists aren't widely published.

Q: How can one watch Cover Story?
A: Broadcast on Asianet News every Saturday evening, and clips are available on YouTube and the channel’s website.

Q: How does she respond to backlash?
A: She stands firm: clarifies facts (like on the Mahishasura row), pursues legal recourse when necessary, and emphasizes responsible journalism (thenewsminute.com, thenewsminute.com).

📝 Final Thoughts

Sindhu Suryakumar represents the modern evolution of Malayalam media: intelligent, firm, and female‑led. Her career—from newsroom to courtroom—illustrates not just a personal journey, but the growth of Kerala's media narrative. She battles cultural backlash, legal scrutiny, and political pressure, all while continuing to produce compelling journalism. For anyone blogging about Indian media, public discourse, or women’s empowerment in journalism, she is a compelling subject.

💡 Top Interesting Facts

  1. 14 years & counting at the helm of Cover Story

  2. 2,500+ threats, yet unbowed

  3. POCSO charges dropped—landmark win

  4. Icon of women’s media leadership

  5. Amplifier of public’s voice through hard-hitting discussions

💬 FAQs

  1. Who is Sindhu Suryakumar?
    – A senior executive editor & anchor at Asianet News, known for her flagship show, Cover Story.

  2. What controversies has she faced?
    – Targeted in 2016 for allegedly insulting Goddess Durga; faced legal charges in 2023 (later dropped).

  3. What’s her journalistic reputation?
    – Known for calm yet critical interviews, resisting pressure from political or cultural groups.

  4. Has she won any legal battles?
    – Yes, notably the POCSO case in April 2025 where the High Court ruled in her favour (thenewsminute.com, indiatoday.in).

  5. How does she influence viewers?
    – She educates on current affairs, legal rights, cultural contexts—turning complex topics into relatable, probing dialogue.


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