NEW DELHI (Feb 25, 2026) — Viewers of Doordarshan’s flagship show Decode were greeted by a new face on Tuesday night as veteran journalist Mimansa Malik took over hosting duties from Sudhir Chaudhary.
The Surprise Handover
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Sudhir Chaudhary’s Absence: The regular host’s absence from the high-rated program sparked immediate speculation on social media. Neither Doordarshan nor Chaudhary has officially commented on the reason for his hiatus.
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Malik’s Milestone: Mimansa Malik, a household name in Indian news with over 24 years of experience at Zee News, expressed her gratitude on social media, stating she was “honoured” to host the show.
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Audience Reaction: While fans welcomed Malik’s seasoned and composed delivery, many “regular” viewers flooded X (formerly Twitter) with queries regarding the duration of Chaudhary’s absence.
Professional Pedigree
Mimansa Malik’s appearance on public broadcaster Doordarshan marks another major chapter in her career. After her long tenure at Zee News, she had a brief stint at Bharat24 before this latest high-profile appearance on the state broadcaster.
The Show: Decode
Decode has become one of Doordarshan’s most-watched news segments, known for its deep-dive analysis of complex national issues. The transition to Malik, even if temporary, is seen as a strategic move to maintain the show’s authoritative tone during the prime-time slot.

