Rajat Sharma, a prominent figure in the world of Indian media and journalism. He is best known for hosting the immensely popular show "Aap Ki Adalat," which has captured the hearts of not only our nation but also audiences worldwide for the past three decades. Rajat Sharma's illustrious career has seen him interact with renowned personalities from both India and around the globe. His courtroom has witnessed the interrogation of celebrities from every walk of life, a tradition that continues to captivate audiences to this day. Nearly two decades ago, Rajat Sharma embarked on a new venture, launching India TV, which has now risen to become one of the leading Hindi news channel in the country. Every night at 9 pm, millions tune in to watch his live news show, "Aaj Ki Baat," where his pungent commentary takes center stage. But Rajat Sharma is more than just a television star; he is also a respected motivational speaker, often invited to share his insights in esteemed institutions worldwide. His influence extends far beyond the screen, as he is recognized as one of the most influential media icons across the globe. In the realm of social media, Rajat Sharma reigns supreme, holding the top position among TV news personalities on Twitter, with an astounding 10.8 million followers. Born into humble beginnings and educated in ordinary schools, Rajat Sharma's merit got him into Shri Ram College of Commerce. Here, he formed bonds with individuals who went on to become world class leaders in their respective fields. Rajat Sharma's involvement in student politics led to a period of imprisonment during the Emergency. Undeterred, he pursued his education, earning an M. Com from SRCC and venturing into the world of journalism. Remarkably, at the young age of 28, he assumed the role of editor for Onlooker magazine, followed by editorships at The Sunday Observer and The Daily. His exceptional reporting during that era is still celebrated in contemporary media. "Aap Ki Adalat" was already a nationwide sensation when Rajat Sharma took the helm in 1993. Over the years, it has garnered even more fame and name, with luminaries like President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi gracing its stage on the show's 21st anniversary. Notably, it was on this platform that all three Khan superstars—Salman, Shahrukh, and Aamir Khan—appeared together for the first time on national television. The impact of "Aap Ki Adalat" is undeniable. Icons like Swami Ramdev and Shahrukh Khan openly acknowledge how the show played a pivotal role in their rise to stardom. Former President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, who honoured Rajat Sharma with Padma Bhushan, urged him not to change his role, saying, "Please remain the public prosecutor of the people of India." This is the remarkable journey of Rajat Sharma, a name synonymous with excellence in the world of media and journalism.
Mr. M.V. Shreyams Kumar, former Rajya Sabha MP & MLA, Deputy President (Indian Newspaper Society), ) and Managing Director of the Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing Company Ltd. - Publishers of the Mathrubhumi Daily and 11 other periodicals, Promoters of Mathrubhumi Television Channel titled "Mathrubhumi News, "Music Channel" "Kappa" and Club FM Radio. With a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration Mr.Shreyams Kumar has been at the helm of affairs of this 102 Year Old Media Conglomerate for the past 24 years. In tune with his commitment to environmental values and out of corporate concern for our imperilled mother planet, he envisioned Mathrubhumi SEED {Student Empowerment for Environmental Development} to impart environmental consciousness to the next generation by sensitising students in nearly 7000 schools to the green inheritance of our blue planet. This initiative was twice honoured by the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers {WAN}.
Anurradha Prasad is an Indian journalist, currently serving as the Editor-in-Chief of News24 and the Chairman and Managing Director of BAG Networks. With a career spanning over 35 years, she has significantly influenced Indian television journalism. In 1993, she founded BAG Networks, which has since developed into a prominent media and entertainment company in India, with diverse operations in television and film production, media education, and news broadcasting. Her work includes the creation and production of several impactful programs, such as "Itihas Gawah Hai," "Bharat Bhagya Vidhata," “Bharat Ek Soch” and "India's Tiger," which have been recognised for their contribution to Indian journalism. Besides professional life, Anurradha is an avid reader and a music lover. Spending time with family and loved ones makes for her idea of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Rahul Joshi joined Network18 in 2015 and took charge as the company’s managing director in June 2018. Prior to this, Rahul was the editorial director of The Economic Times.
Kalli Purie is the Vice Chairperson of the India Today Group. The forty year old group, a product of the emergency in the 1970s, is recognised as the Gold Standard of journalism in India. She is hailed in the industry for her vision to synergize India Today Group’s excellence in conventional journalism with the reach and innovations of digital and new media. A serial entrepreneur at heart, she brings a rich experience in running a wide range of media properties from television channels, apps, to a digital newspaper, to championing world class events, to devising a social media strategy for the group. Par excellence ideator and project manager she is the natural choice to launch the many innovative products of the group. She is uniquely positioned to address India Today’s integrated foray in the new media landscape. Her unified leadership in television, digital and events is the cornerstone for the success of synergy in the Group. In her current role, she is steering the editorial of India’s undisputed #1 news channel (Aaj Tak) along with 3 other distinct channels (India Today TV, Tez and Delhi Aaj Tak) of the network. The channels have won a slew of awards for excellence this year. She is also the lead for all signature events of the group. This division has constantly been setting benchmarks others need to follow whether its the new formats in India Today Conclave or addressing the aspirations of new India in small cities and different languages. She is aggressively spearheading the rollout of the next set of digital innovations, a portfolio of specialised, niche interest, internet only channels. Armed with a clear vision about the future of news, she is leading one of the most awarded and celebrated team of journalists in a futuristic newsroom that she helped build, apt for the multimedia, multi-device world we live in. The project has created a giant news turbine to harness the forces of an integrated newsroom, exploiting synergies amongst the many media platforms. She is a graduate from Oxford University, UK in Politics, Philosophy & Economics.
Anil Malhotra, a veteran with over 34 years of rich experience in the broadcast industry has been an active member of various Government & Industry bodies including the MIB task forces for implementation of DAS regulations, New Tariff Order etc. and All India Digital Cable Federation. Anil has deep expertise across various facets of Media Distribution viz. Technology, Content, Regulatory Compliances and Sales Operations. He has a proven track record of amalgamating progressive leadership & entrepreneurial spirit throughout his career. Anil played a critical role in the successful implementation of New Tariff Order framework at SITI Networks and was instrumental in the transformation of SITI from an analog player to a digital Multiple System Operator. After a successful stint as Chief Executive Officer of SITI Networks Limited, he is now in an advisory role with Zee Media Corporation Limited. Anil has been conferred with several acclaims for his contribution to the industry. Anil holds a Masters Degree in Physics.
Sanjay Pugalia is a Whole-time Director of New Delhi Television Limited and is a renowned political and business journalist. He has vast experience in digital, television and the print media. He has been a part of several pioneering ventures in India & has launched and headed CNBC Awaaz for 12 years. Earlier, as News Director, he set up Star News in Hindi, headed Zee News and was part of the founding team of AajTak. He has also worked with Australia's Nine Network's Indian JV in 2000-01 as President - Head of Strategic Planning and Film Business. As a print journalist, he has worked with Business Standard and Navbharat Times. He was also a regular contributor to BBC Hindi Radio during the 1990s.
Mr. Dhruba Mukherjee joined ABP in 1997 and currently is the Chief Executive Officer of the organization overseeing the Print, TV, Publishing and Radio businesses of the group. He joined as a management trainee and during his career in ABP spanning over two decades he has handled responsibilities in brand management, audience development, advertisement sales and production functions before taking over as the CEO. Born and brought up in Calcutta and a die-hard Calcuttan at heart, he is a B.Com (Hons) from St. Xavier’s College, Calcutta; MBA from IISW&BM under Calcutta University and an alumnus of London School of Economics & Political Science. He has also graduated from the Senior Executive Leadership Program of the Harvard Business School. Travel, food and sports are some of the things that excite him beyond his interest areas in work.
Venkat holds a Bachelor's degree in Science. He has been in the communication profession since 1970. He joined Board of Directors of Ushodaya Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., publishers of Eenadu Telugu newspaper and ETV group channels in 1987. Venkat was the past Chairman of Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) and founder member of Media Research Users Council (MRUC) as well as Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF); and also on the Board of Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF), International News Media Association (INMA), Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC). He also had long innings as a Board Member for over 15 years with the Indian Newspaper Society (INS). Venkat currently is the Chairman of Media Research Users Council (MRUC) and Chairman of Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC).
Varun Kohli is heading Times News Broadcast Business as their COO Varun has a distinguished and elaborate media career with approximately 3 decades of leadership experience. Having launched and relaunched several successful media brands and turning several others into profitable ventures, he is popularly known as the “Turnaround Man”. Varun is a seasoned media professional credited with creating sustainable business development and management strategies. A hands- on manager with a complete understanding of P&L and operations management, Varun’s core expertise lies in implementing operational, strategic and organizational changes to manage risk and mitigate underperformance. Apart from media, Varun has also straddled through sports management in leadership role. He was instrumental in launching and organizing several successful seasons of Pro Wrestling League and Big Bout Boxing League for his previous employer, iTV Network. His last sojourn was with Bharat Express as its Director & CEO. His solution-based approach and diverse background across legacy brands, challenger brands and start-ups, Varun has been credited for transforming several companies by designing a strategic roadmap and detailed benchmarking. His past organizations include iTV Network as a Group CEO and was successfully heading 11 channels along with two publications and digital ventures of the company for over 8 years. He has also worked with Network 18, Bennett and Colman Ltd, HT Media Ltd, Amar Ujala Prakashan and other top media houses in senior leadership roles in the past.
Mr. Mahesh Kumar Rajaraman is a Chartered Accountant with about 30 years of experience out of which more than 20 years has been in the Media industry. He started his career with Citibank and also worked in American Express Bank and KPMG. Mr. Mahesh Kumar Rajaraman was with M/s. Asianet Satellite Communications Private Limited (Rajan Raheja Group) for about 11 years and held several management roles there. He joined M/s. Sun Direct TV Private Limited in April 2011 as its Chief Executive Officer and later on took over as its Managing Director in May 2012. He assumed responsibility as the President of M/s. Sun TV Network Limited in November 2015. Later from April, 2019, he has been appointed as the Managing Director in M/s. Sun TV Network Limited.