EP-143 | From Rags to Riches: The Inspiring Journey of TV News Pioneer Rajat Sharma

Rajat Sharma has been a prominent figure in Indian media and journalism for the last three decades. He is best known for his show, 'Aap Ki Adalat', 'Aaj Ki Baat’ and his role as the Editor-in-Chief of India TV. Before joining television, he was the Editor of Onlooker, Sunday Observer, and The Daily. He pursued higher studies at SRCC and was part of ABVP. In 1977, he was elected as General Secretary of the Delhi University Students Union.

In the latest episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Rajat Sharma talks about his childhood, family background, and his journey to the top. He also delves deep into his friendship of over 45 years with Arun Jaitley and recalls their first meeting at Delhi University. He also discusses the JP Movement and his arrest during the emergency in 1975, explaining why he chose journalism over politics.

Rajat Sharma further shares insights into his relationships with former Prime Ministers Morarji Desai, P.V Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He also sheds light on his hit show, "Aap Ki Adalat," and how its format was developed. Additionally, he addresses allegations of being labelled as 'Godi media.'

#ANIPodcastWithSmitaPrakash #RajatSharma #AapKiAdalat #Podcast

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Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction

3:35 - Childhood Struggle

13:53 - Student Union and Politics

18:13 - Involvement in JP Movement

22:25 - 1975 Emergency

25:24 - Protest Against Indira Gandhi

29:25 - From Politics to Journalism

33:58 - 11 Months in Tihar During Emergency

44:44 - Role of RSS During Emergency

51:09 - Formation of Janata Party

1:04:55 - 21st Years of ‘Aap ki Adalat’ Show

1:06:25 - Fall of Janata Party Government

1:14:04 - Journey as a Journalist

1:24:25 - First Joining Letter

1:39:55 - Starting of Private Channel

1:41:00 - Backstory of Aap ki Adalat Show

1:55:55 - Life After Becoming Famous

2:00:59 - Initial Days as a Journalist

2:02:38 - Starting of ‘India TV’ News Channel

2:04:33 - Shows with Eminent Personalities

2:09:47 - Relation with Ex-PM Vajpayee

2:12:50 - Rajya Sabha Seat Offer

2:20:00 - Interest in Cricket

2:24:30 - Why He Resigned as DDCA Chief

2:33:08 - 50th Episode of Aap ki Adalat

2:47:21 - Gautam Adani in Aap ki Adalat

2:50:58 - Arun Jaitley in Aap ki Adalat After Demonetisation

2:58:36 - PM Modi's Vision

3:06:40 - How Journalism Has Evolved

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[aprilblossoms]

I never realized Rajat Sharma is such an excellent story teller and not to mention the difficult and humorous situations he has faced! I used to watch “Aap ki Adalat” right from the beginning when I was in primary school. This was a brilliant episode. Thanks Smita and team.

[nandukothari]

First time I watch a show of three+ hour without break, it was amazing to watch Rajat Sharma, and I thank smitaji for inviting such people like Rajat Sharma and shila Bhatt

[rajiyer]

One of the best interview ever seen … thank you to enlighten about the dark days of emergency which we were unaware… The Emergency in India was a 21-month period from 1975 to 1977 when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had a state of emergency declared across the country. On the advice of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed proclaimed a state of national emergency on 25 June 1975 .. hats off to Rajat Sharma

[arihantsinha]

This is a treasure trove on Indian history around Delhi in 1970s and 1980s. So many unknown stories!

[sandeeprathod]

This podcast should be shown in schools and colleges... what a life, what a person and what an achievement with this podcast.... Thank you Smita.... thank you.

[maloykumarbanerjee]

बहुत बढ़िया इंटरव्यू रजत जी में बहुत सादगी है कोई भी बात को कहने की।

[shanabhinav]

1बार में इतना देर कोई वीडियो पहली बार

जैसे लगा आंखो के सामने 1960 से अब तक का भारत आंख के सामने से गुजर गया हो।।

[sumitsinghnarwal]

ढेर सारे पॉडकास्ट सुने हैं इससे पहले! लगता है के इससे बेहतरीन पॉडकास्ट नही बनाया जा सकता!
रजत शर्मा जी को सुनके लगा के जैसे वो मेरे सामने बात कर रहे हैं!
उनके बोलने का अंदाज़ बिल्कुल साफ़ और किसी भी प्रकार का कोई दिखावा भी नहीं और सच बोलने का डर भी नही!
रजत जी जब अपने अनुभवों के बारे में बता रहे थे तो लगा जैसे उनकी कहानी मे पूरा ५० साल पहले का भारत घूम लिया!
ढेर सारा ज्ञान भी मिला! गुरु
स्मीता जी आपसे भी प्यार हो गया इतना सुंदर साक्षात्कार प्रस्तुत करने के लिए बहुत धन्यवाद ❤😊🙏🏽

जय हिन्द!

[d.p.upadhyay]

रजत जी बहुत बहुत धन्यवाद, जीवन दर्शन की पराकाष्ठा हैं, पूरा सुनने के बाद और रिकार्ड करने के बाद आप दोनो का धन्यवाद!❤

[CaptSureshSharma]

I have had immense respect for Rajat Sharma but today it has leapt 100 folds higher. He didn't share what happened to his family in Subzi Mandi after he moved to Defence Colony. I salute him for being ethical, very rare journalist. I have known many journalists closely because of my work but very rare are of his kind. Its a very long interview but enjoyed A to Z in one sitting, rare for me. Thanks.

Please convey my compliments to Pandit ji

[Achintyanath]

Mr Rajat Sharma had come to the Tech Fest of IIT Kharagpur (called Kshitij) in January 2014. He gave one and half hour lecture on his life and struggles. I still remember that lecture and it continues to inspire me.

[sumit.]

What a man, What a magnificent journey. From not having food on the table in earlier days to running India's one of the leading news channels. His views on Media freedom were quite fascinating to me, i have only heard about the dictatorship-kind behavior of the current government, but he opened up a whole new kind of idea, and my take towards all these allegations has changed. He has been in the industry for a very long period and his views are very appropriate I feel. His experience is teaching a lot of things to all youngsters like me, I am also an aspiring journalist, learned a lot from him.
Thank you @ANI News for this podcast, and special thanks to Smita Ma'am for asking quality questions.
And lastly @Rajat Sharma Sir you are an inspiration to me, thank you for unfolding deep insights about the world of journalism, Best wishes to you sir.

[infibeamX]

This interview with Rajat Sharma is not just a conversation; it’s a profound journey through the annals of India’s rich tapestry. As we navigate the intricate corridors of our nation’s past, Mr shrama’s insightful questions and revelations promise to leave an indelible imprint on the historical discourse. This is more than an interview—it’s an educational odyssey that will enlighten many, unraveling the layers of India’s political heritage and offering invaluable lessons from the chronicles of time itself. I feel blessed to be born in the era of "Aap Ki Adaalat"

[tandavforpeace]

I was always skipping this episode, but suddenly happened to watch this today. I can confidently say that this is one of the best episodes in this podcast. I haven't seen all, so I am mentioning that this is one of the best. But for me this is the best I have watched so far. I might have watched at least 40+ episodes. But, this is the best among all. I had little annoyed with Rajat Ji, but today I came to know that he is definitely a person to admire and an inspiration for all. Good job Smita ma'am.

[tamanna]

Pata hi nahin chala 2 ghante kahan chale gaye watching this interview.
What a good man with a great character and principles. Lucky are people who are able to associate with Rajat Sir or have him as their friend or family.

[panexpresstravel]

Congratulations Smita Ji for doing such a wonderful pod cast with Rajat Ji. You asked the right questions and kept the flow of the conversation on the right path.
I learnt a lot about the solid character and the unshakable integrity of a man that I have been admiring, watching Aap Ki Adalat, over the last few years and it has increased 100 fold.
I live in Canada and never can find time to watch a movie or a program for more than three hours at a stretch. However once started, I could not stop until I finished it at 1 AM. Rajat ji gave us insight into so many famous personalities and important events that occurred over the years, about which I had a totally different view based available information here. Thank you for doing this interview. Next time I come to India, will try to meet you and Rajat ji and shake your hands. Respectfully...Mohan

[DreamIAS-lcul]

Rajat sharma is brand of journalism...being an ABVP member, he enculcate morales, values and ethics....

[Gaurjain]

Just respect ✊🏻… heard this on a long drive with USA 🇺🇸 born teenager of mine …. Now he knows more about Indian 🇮🇳 politics and people who rose from the ranks

[KapilSharma-kfdv]

शानदार इंटरवियू राजतजी के जीवन के बारे में इतना मालूम पड़ा वाकई आपने बहुत बड़े काम किये और आपसे सीखना चाहिए जय हो पंडितजी 🙏🙏👌🏼👌🏼👍🏼👍🏼
स्मिताजी का आभार

[aab]

Compliments to Smita ji, for bringing this personal side of Panditji (Rajat Sharma). This interview changed my perception about him in a very positive way.