Journalism Loses a Voice, Payal Mehta Passes Away, PM Modi and Ministers Pay Tribute

Senior journalist Payal Mehta, who was associated with CNN News18, passed away in the early hours of Sunday, September 20, 2026, in Mumbai. She was 46. Mehta was visiting Mumbai when she reportedly developed uneasiness early in the morning. She was rushed to a hospital for treatment, where she later passed away. Her sudden death has left colleagues and members of the journalism fraternity mourning the loss of a familiar voice in Indian television news. Mehta had spent years working in journalism and was known for her association with the news industry. The news of her passing also drew condolences from senior political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Ministers, who expressed their grief over the journalist death and remembered her contribution to the profession. The condolences highlighted the wider impact of Mehta passing, with political leaders and members of the media community paying tribute to her work. At the age of 46, Mehta's death has come as a shock to those who knew her professionally. Her passing has once again brought attention to the demanding nature of journalism and the lasting professional relationships built during a career in the news industry. Details concerning the exact cause of death and funeral arrangements were not immediately available in the information provided. The journalism community continues to mourn Payal Mehta, whose career was spent reporting and working in one of India's highly competitive news environment.