Rajdeep Sardesai: last minute views

Whether covering breaking news covering an attack on the nation or having a heated political debate in the newsroom or speaking to an IIT Topper, one must admire the passion and pride with Mr. Rajdeep Sardesai. (Currently: Consulting Editor, India Today Group) he’s been doing it brimming with confidence. What I have appreciated in this individual is not only the way he presents the news to us, but also that he creates an equal interest in the subject in the minds and hearts of the viewers. He would say that one of his greatest strengths is intonation: the rise and fall in pitch of his voice and his ability to probe questions and then get to the heart of the story.

Today, Mr. Rajdeep Sardesai is not only the best journalist in India but also the author of his recently published book entitled, “2014: The Elections That Changed India”. In the recent past I had the opportunity to meet this prolific newscaster in a fireside chat.

early aspirations

They say, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” While the young Rajdeep was very interested in playing cricket. His father, the late Dilip Sardesai, was a prominent Indian Test cricketer in the 1960s. His mother, Nandini Sardesai, worked as a sociology professor at St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai.

Rajdeep always loved playing cricket and represented while playing at the university level. It is here that he had a close interaction with the well-known middle-order right-handed batsman, Mr. Sanjay Manjrekar.

Education / Career

Before turning to journalism, Rajdeep aspired to be a lawyer. He first completed his undergraduate course in economics from St. Xavier’s College. Since he went to England to study at Oxford University and acquired the following degrees namely Master of Arts (MA) and Bachelor of Laws (LLB).

On his return from England in 1988 he decided to start his career as a lawyer practicing law in India. But fate had plans of its own for Rajdeep. It was around the same time, while Rajdeep was contemplating “Lawyer” as his profession, he had a chance to meet the eminent journalist and current editor of “The Times of India” (TOI), Mr. Dileep Padgaonkar.

Rajdeep, being a compulsive reader and writer, was drawn to the idea of ​​joining TOI. He initially started writing for TOI and then worked there for a short period of six years and was the editor of the city’s Mumbai edition.

I was lucky to enter the field of journalism at a time when there were many events and happenings in our country. If there had been no great upheavals in the country, however, any journalist can aspire to write, the fact is what is the subject that the journalist would choose and amplify the thoughts of him that will attract the voice of the readers. Rajdeep admits that fate was kind enough to allow him to enter the field of journalism at an opportune time that provided immense opportunities to expand on his strengths and competencies.

parental influence

Rajdeep had a gift for general knowledge and was always looking for answers beyond what textbooks could offer and that too at a very young age. One thing was evident: his thirst for knowledge was always growing, as he was eager to know more about the world and the surroundings.

What would be the future of his chosen trade, namely “Broadcast Journalism”, was something that even his parents were not very aware of. All they could do at that moment was believe in his strengths and encourage him on his journey of discovery.

Rajdeep Sardesai is a successful name today, but there were risks he took and he dared to go for it. At the time he decided to leave NDTV and start his own company “CNN IBN”, his parents were worried that he was already doing well in his career. However, as Rajdeep wanted to follow his dreams, his parents allowed him to take the risk and go further.

Rajdeep has also been President of the Publishers Guild of India, the only TV journalist to hold the post, and was also voted World Leader of Tomorrow by the World Economic Forum in 2000.

Commitment to Crafts

Rajdeep Sardesai’s commitment to his chosen craft is commendable. He is a workaholic and works around the clock to achieve prominence and excellence. Reading relates to his mind as much as exercise relates to his body. Never complacent despite his near-star status, he firmly believes that when there is work to be done, it must be completed and there are times when Rajdeep does not take his weekly vacation.

He believes in the accuracy of the details and in his farewell letter written to IBN 18 staff he says: “Sorry if I occasionally called at 3am in the morning. Blame it on being a news junkie. And remember, every time there’s a misspelling on the ticker, my ghost will haunt you.”

I would love to summarize my piece in your words, “I guess certain things in life are written in the stars. Editorial independence and integrity have been articles of faith in 26 years in journalism and maybe I’m too old to change.”