Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Senior Journalist Payal Mehta Dies in Mumbai, Leaders Mourn
Payal Mehta was a senior journalist who died at age 46.
She became unwell while visiting Mumbai.
Her colleagues took her to a hospital at about 2 a.m.
Reports said doctors found no pulse before treatment could begin.
The articles do not give a confirmed medical cause of death.
Mehta covered Parliament, the government and the BJP.
Many leaders remembered her as hardworking, professional, kind and warm.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others sent condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.
Payal Mehta, a 46-year-old senior journalist with CNN-News18, died in Mumbai early Sunday.
She reportedly developed uneasiness late Saturday night and was taken to a hospital around 2 a.m.
Reports said her pulse was absent before medical treatment could be administered.
Mehta was known for covering Parliament, the government and the BJP with dedication.
Narendra Modi and numerous political, media and public figures offered condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.
- Who
- Payal Mehta, a 46-year-old senior journalist, died; Narendra Modi and other political and media figures expressed grief.
- What
- Mehta died suddenly after experiencing uneasiness and being taken to a Mumbai hospital.
- When
- In the early hours of Sunday, after she became unwell late Saturday night; one report identifies the date as September 20.
- Where
- Mumbai, India.
- Why
- The reports say she developed sudden physical uneasiness, but they do not identify a confirmed medical cause of death.
- Age
- 46
- Location
- Mumbai
- Occupation
- Senior political journalist
- Employer
- Reports identified Mehta with CNN-News18; another report described her as working with Network18.
- Hospital
- She was taken to a hospital at around 2 a.m., where reports said her pulse was absent before treatment.
- Coverage
- She covered Parliament, the government and the BJP.
- Tributes
- Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Kangana Ranaut, Smriti Irani and others offered condolences.
Sources
Journalist Payal Mehta passes away, PM Modi expresses grief
Senior Journalist Payal Mehta Dies At 46 In Mumbai: Kangana Ranaut, Smriti Irani Mourn Her Loss, Say 'Life Is Unexpected, Deeply Saddened'
Senior scribe Payal Mehta passes away; PM, Rahul Gandhi, speaker, CMs offer condolences