Skip to main content

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.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ajit Hanamakkanavar: Profile, Wiki, Family, Caste and Wife

Ajit Hanamakkanavar is a prominent Indian journalist and news anchor, known for his outspoken style in the Kannada-language media. He currently holds a leadership position as Head of News and Programmes at Asianet Suvarna News , a popular regional news channel in Karnataka ( casemine.com ). Ajit initially gained attention through debate shows such as Left, Right & Centre , where his provocative questions and sharp commentary helped build his reputation as a bold and controversial figure ( casemine.com ). 📚 Early Life & Education Public records on Ajit's personal background, including birth year, hometown, and educational credentials, are limited. His rise in journalism appears rooted in local Kannada media, where he transitioned from reporting roles to anchoring and editorial responsibilities. 💼 Career Trajectory Regional Journalist – He began in Kannada-language television, gaining experience in reporting and anchoring for local audiences. Suvarna News Anch...
Post a Comment
Read more

Vartika Katiyar, IPS: Complete Profile and Biography

Early Life & Education Vartika Katiyar is an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 2010 Karnataka cadre . Little public information is available about her early life and educational journey. Like most senior IPS officers, she would have undergone rigorous training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy , following selection via the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Police Career Progression After assignment to the Karnataka cadre , Katiyar held several important roles, including serving as Superintendent of Police (SP) of Kodagu district , where she oversaw law and order in the region. She later served at KSRP Training , contributing to training initiatives. Over time she climbed the ranks and reached the position of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in Karnataka, serving in critical postings such as the Internal Security Division (ISD), Bengaluru , depending on addressing internal security concerns. Recent News & Controversy: Clash with IGP D. Ro...
Post a Comment
Read more

Mausami Singh, Aaj Tak: Profile, Bio, Age and Family

Mausami Singh, a renowned name in Indian journalism, has carved a niche for herself through her fearless reporting and incisive coverage of political and social issues. Born in the bustling city of New Delhi, India, Mausami grew up in an environment that fostered curiosity and a deep sense of justice. While exact details of her birth date remain private, her formative years in the capital city exposed her to the complexities of Indian society, sparking an early interest in storytelling and truth-seeking. Coming from a middle-class family, Mausami was raised with values of hard work and integrity. Her parents encouraged her academic pursuits, recognizing her sharp intellect and determination. Little is publicly known about her family, as she maintains a low profile regarding her personal life, but it’s evident that her upbringing played a pivotal role in shaping her resilient character. This foundation would later propel her into a career where she’d confront challenges head-on, earning...
Post a Comment
Read more

Saurabh Jorwal, IAS: Profile, Wiki, Girlfriend, Age and Educational Details

Saurabh Jorwal (b. circa 1988–89) is a distinguished 2014-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Bihar cadre. An alumnus of IIT Delhi , his journey from engineering to impactful public service reflects resilience, innovation, and a hands-on governance style. 🎓 Early Life & Education Academic Foundations Jorwal earned a B.Tech in Computer Science from IIT Delhi , a training ground for analytical excellence and technological problem-solving. UPSC Tenacity First attempt (2013) : Ranked well enough to join the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). Second attempt (2014) : Cracked the UPSC Civil Services with an All India Rank (AIR) of 802, securing an IAS position under the ST category . 📍 Bihar Cadre: Postings & Impact SDO Saharsa: Tech Meets Administration As Sub‑Divisional Officer of Saharsa , he leveraged Google Maps to locate and clear encroachments, easing traffic and reducing waterlogging. These tech-driven initiatives gained positive local and online...
Post a Comment
Read more

Shahzad Bhatti, Pakistani Gangster: Profile, Bio, Age, Wife and Family

Shahzad Bhatti is a name that has become synonymous with organized crime, cross-border gang wars, and high-profile controversies. As a Pakistan-based gangster reportedly operating from Dubai, Bhatti has emerged as a polarizing figure in the underworld, with alleged ties to notorious Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and other international crime syndicates. His involvement in serious crimes, including murder, arms trafficking, and orchestrating attacks, has drawn significant attention from law enforcement agencies and the media. Early Life and Background Little is known about Shahzad Bhatti’s early life, as he has managed to keep much of his personal history shrouded in mystery. Born in Pakistan, Bhatti is believed to have grown up in an environment where organized crime and illicit networks were prevalent. His rise in the criminal underworld suggests a combination of strategic alliances, opportunism, and a deep understanding of the socio-political dynamics that enable cross-border crim...
Post a Comment
Read more

Pooja Parashar, Journalist: Profile, Bio, Age, Boyfriend and Family

Name: Pooja Parashar Profession: Broadcast Journalist & News Anchor Current Affiliation: Good News Today (via Instagram self-identification) ( Instagram ) Location: Delhi / Gurugram, India 🔍 Early Life & Education Pooja Parashar was born and raised in Delhi. Though her exact birthdate is not publicly documented, she attended Kendriya Vidyalaya schools before pursuing higher education, possibly in journalism or mass communication. On her Instagram, she fondly recalls being back “in the place where it all began” — likely her school hall or media college — highlighting her early fascination with broadcasting and on-screen storytelling . 🎤 Career Overview & On‑Air Presence From the outset, Pooja demonstrated remarkable confidence in front of the camera. Her breakthrough came as a news anchor at Good News Today , where she joined the editorial team and quickly became a familiar presence. In early 2025, Maharaja Agrasen College invited her to conduct a session with their...
Post a Comment
Read more

Arzoo Kazmi, Journalist: Profile, Bio, Age, Husband and Family

Arzoo Kazmi is a prominent journalist and human rights advocate from Pakistan, known for incisive political analysis and fearless reporting. Over the years, she has covered sensitive topics—from constitutional reforms to national security—and has been embroiled in controversies that highlight issues of press freedom and state pressure. Early Life & Education Background : Born in Pakistan, Arzoo developed a keen interest in journalism and public affairs early on. Education : Attended top journalism institutions (specifics kept private), where she honed her writing, analysis, and investigative skills. Entry into Media : Began as a researcher before quickly transitioning to on-screen reporting, earning respect for her clarity on constitutional and geopolitical matters. Career & Professional Highlights Rise as a Political Journalist Television & Digital Presence : Regularly appears on Pakistani and international news networks. She provides commentary on constitution...
Post a Comment
Read more

Shilpa Gupta, IAS: Profile, Bio, Husband and Family

1. Early Life & Education Born in March (year undisclosed) in Delhi, India , Shilpa hails from a middle-class family with a strong emphasis on values and education. She attended a government school in Delhi before earning her B.A. and M.A. from Jamia Millia Islamia , equipping her with strong analytical and empathetic skills. Inspired by a desire to uplift marginalized communities, she pursued the UPSC Civil Services Exam , securing a coveted rank. 2. Entry into the Indian Administrative Service Joined the IAS in 2008 , allocated to the Madhya Pradesh cadre . Demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication through rigorous probationary training focused on grassroots governance and rural administration. 3. Notable Career Milestones a. District Magistrate of Morena Appointed as DM of Morena , a district infamously tied to Chambal dacoits . As the first woman collector , she faced and overcame deeply rooted law-and-order challenges with decisive governan...
Post a Comment
Read more

Nisha James, IPS: Profile, Wiki, Husband, Family and Caste

Nisha James, a 2013-batch IPS officer of the Karnataka cadre, is a prominent figure in Indian law enforcement, known for her integrity, strict adherence to duty, and fearless approach to maintaining order. Her journey from a small-town student in Kerala to a respected police officer in Karnataka showcases her determination and commitment to public service. As of February 21, 2025, Nisha continues to serve as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Karnataka, leaving a significant mark on the state’s policing landscape. This detailed biography explores Nisha James’s early life, education, IPS career, personal life, controversies, and her enduring legacy as an inspiring officer. Early Life and Family: A Kerala Beginning Nisha James was born in Kerala, India, though her exact birth date remains undisclosed in public records. Hailing from a Christian family, she grew up in a modest household that valued education and discipline. Her early years were spent in Kerala, a state renowned for its ...
Post a Comment
Read more