Whether covering the breaking news covering an attack on the nation or having a strong political debate in the newsroom or speaking to an IIT Topper, one must admire the passion and pride of Mr. Rajdeep Sardesai. (Currently: Consulting Editor, India Today Group) he has been doing it brimming with confidence. What I have appreciated in this individual is not only the way he would present the news to us, but also create an equal interest in the subject in the minds and hearts of the viewers. One of his greatest strengths, I would say, is intonation – the rise and fall in the tone of his voice and his ability to probe questions and then get into the heart of the story.
At present, Mr. Rajdeep Sardesai is not only the best journalist in India, but also the author of his recently published book titled, “2014 – The Elections That Changed India”. In the recent past I had the opportunity to meet this prolific newscaster through free talk.
First aspirations
They say, “Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans.” While young Rajdeep really liked 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 to play cricket and represented while playing at the college level. It is here that he had a close interaction with the well-known middle-order right-handed hitter, Mr. Sanjay Manjrekar.
Education / Career
Before turning to journalism, Rajdeep aspired to become a lawyer. He first completed his BA in Economics from St. Xavier’s College. Post who went to England to study at Oxford University and acquired the following degrees, namely Master of Arts (MA) and Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
Upon his return from England in 1988, he decided to start his career as a lawyer practicing law in India. But fate had its own plans for Rajdeep. It was around the same time that Rajdeep was contemplating the profession of “lawyer”, and had the opportunity to meet the eminent journalist and current editor of “The Times of India” (TOI), Mr. Dileep Padgaonkar.
Rajdeep, as a compulsive reader and writer, was attracted to the idea of joining TOI. Initially he began writing for TOI and then worked there for a brief period of six years and was the city editor of its Mumbai Edition.
I was fortunate to enter the field of journalism at a time when many events and events were taking place within our country. If there had not been great upheavals in the country, however, any journalist can aspire to write, the fact is what is that topic that the journalist would choose and amplify his thoughts that will attract the voice of the readers. Rajdeep admits that fate was kind enough, allowing him to enter the field of journalism at an opportune moment, providing him with immense opportunities to expand his strengths and competencies.
Parental influence
Rajdeep had a gift for general knowledge and always looked for answers beyond what textbooks could offer and that too at a very young age. One thing was clear that his thirst for knowledge was always growing, as he was eager to know more about the world and its surroundings.
What would be the future of his chosen craft, namely “TV journalism”, was something that even his parents were not very aware of. All they could do in that moment was believe in his strengths and motivate him on his journey of discovery.
Rajdeep Sardesai is a successful name today, but he took risks and dared to do it. By the time he decided to leave NDTV and start his own company “CNN IBN”, his parents were concerned, as he was already doing well in his career. However, because Rajdeep wanted to follow his dreams, his parents allowed him to take the risk and go the extra mile.
Rajdeep has also been the chairman of the Editors Guild of India, the only television journalist to hold the position and was also chosen as the world leader for 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 your mind as much as exercise relates to your body. Never complacent despite his near-stardom status, he believes that when there is work it must be completed and there are times when Rajdeep does not take his weekly vacation.
He believes in the precision of the details and in his farewell letter written to IBN 18 staff he says: “I’m sorry if I called every once in a while at 3 in the morning. Blame it on being a news junkie. And remember, every time there’s a spelling mistake in 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 now I’m too old to change.”
