Senior journalist Payal Mehta dies in Mumbai at 46; PM Modi and others offer condolences

Payal Mehta was known as a hard-working journalist who covered the Parliament, the government and the BJP

Senior journalist Payal Mehta, 46, who worked with CNN-News18, passed away in the early hours of Sunday (September 20) in Mumbai. According to her colleagues, Mehta developed uneasiness late on Saturday night and was rushed to a hospital at around 2 a.m. However, before treatment could be administered, doctors found that she had no pulse. Journalist Payal Mehta Dies At 46, Kangana Ranaut, PM Modi MournHer sudden passing has left colleagues, friends and members of the political and media fraternity deeply shocked.Actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut expressed her grief over Mehta’s untimely demise, remembering her dedication to journalism. Sharing her tribute, Kangana wrote, "Woke up to this terrible news, life is so unexpected. She was totally dedicated to Journalism always present and alert in the parliament, May Payal ji's soul rest in peace. Om Shanti."Did Kangana Ranaut Take A Cryptic Dig At Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana Over Actors' Costumes?Actress and Former Union Cabinet Minister Smriti Irani also mourned Mehta’s death, describing her as an affable and warm journalist who was known for her pointed questions. “Deeply saddened and shocked to hear of Payal Mehta’s passing,” Irani wrote. She remembered Mehta for bringing “grace and rigour” to her work and offered condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.Deeply saddened and shocked to hear of Payal Mehta’s passing.Affable and warm, yet always pointed and purposeful in her questions, Payal brought both grace and rigour to her work. Every interaction with her reflected her sharp journalistic instinct and her engaging personality.…— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) September 20, 2026 Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and several other Union ministers also condoled the journalist’s death.PM Modi paid tribute to Mehta on social media, describing her as a hardworking journalist who remained connected to the ground and brought a deep understanding of national issues to her reporting. He also remembered her kindness and warmth, calling her sudden passing “extremely saddening.”Payal Mehta Ji was a hardworking journalist who remained firmly connected to the ground, bringing a deep understanding of national issues to her reporting.Beyond her work, she will be remembered for the kindness and warmth with which she touched so many lives. Her sudden and… pic.twitter.com/4uG7MmzGol— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2026 Payal Mehta’s death comes just a month after she lost her father in August, making the loss particularly difficult for her family and loved ones.

Senior journalist Payal Mehta passed away at the age of 46 in Mumbai on September 20, 2026, following a sudden medical emergency. Mehta, who was serving as an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18 (Network18), developed uneasiness late Saturday night and was rushed to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences on her demise and remembered her dedication to journalism, grounded reporting and understanding of national issues.PM Modi Expresses Deep CondolencesPrime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the untimely passing of journalist Payal Mehta, remembering her for her dedication to journalism, grounded reporting and understanding of national issues.Payal Mehta Ji was a hardworking journalist who remained firmly connected to the ground, bringing a deep understanding of national issues to her reporting.Beyond her work, she will be remembered for the kindness and warmth with which she touched so many lives. Her sudden and… pic.twitter.com/4uG7MmzGol— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2026 In a post on social media, PM Modi described Mehta as a “hardworking journalist” who remained firmly connected to the ground. He said her reporting reflected a deep understanding of national issues and highlighted her commitment to her profession.“Payal Mehta Ji was a hardworking journalist who remained firmly connected to the ground, bringing a deep understanding of national issues to her reporting,” PM Modi wrote.Beyond her professional work, the Prime Minister also remembered Mehta for her personal warmth and kindness. He said she would be remembered for the way she touched the lives of many people.“Beyond her work, she will be remembered for the kindness and warmth with which she touched so many lives. Her sudden and untimely passing is extremely saddening,” he wrote.Condolences To Family, Friends And ColleaguesPrime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his condolences to Mehta’s family, friends and colleagues. In his post, he said, “My condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. May they find strength in this difficult hour. Om Shanti.”Asian Games 2026: ‘May They Give Their Best And Shine,’ PM Modi Wishes Indian ContingentThe post was accompanied by a photograph of PM Modi with Payal Mehta.Mehta’s passing has prompted condolences from those who knew and worked with her, with her journalistic work and personal qualities being remembered following the news. Her contribution as a journalist, particularly her focus on ground reporting and understanding wider national issues, formed a central part of PM Modi’s tribute.The Prime Minister’s message also highlighted the personal impact she had beyond her professional life, remembering her kindness and warmth towards others.