Rajdeep Sardesai
Rajdeep Sardesai, born on 24 May 1965, is a prominent Indian news anchor, reporter, journalist, and author, known for his extensive contributions to the field of journalism. His career has been marked by editorial leadership, insightful reporting, and a commitment to the truth. His estimated net worth is $4 Million.
Born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, to the renowned Indian Test cricketer Dilip Sardesai and sociologist-activist Nandini, Rajdeep Sardesai inherited a legacy of excellence. His educational journey took him to Campion School, Mumbai, and later to The Cathedral & John Connon School, Mumbai. Sardesai completed his graduation in economics from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, before pursuing higher studies at University College, Oxford. At Oxford, he not only earned a Bachelor of Arts in jurisprudence but also showcased his cricketing skills, earning a Cricket Blue.
Sardesai's journalistic journey kicked off in 1988 when he joined The Times of India as the city editor of its Mumbai edition. After six years with the publication, he made a pivotal shift to television journalism in 1994, becoming the Political Editor of New Delhi Television (NDTV). His impactful reporting and engaging shows, including "The Big Fight," quickly made him a notable figure in Indian journalism.
In 2005, Sardesai took a bold step by leaving NDTV to establish his own company, Global Broadcast News (GBN). This venture, in collaboration with CNN and Raghav Bahl's TV18, led to the creation of CNN-IBN, an English news channel that went on air in December 2005. The success of GBN expanded with the acquisition of a stake in Channel 7, later renamed IBN7. However, in 2014, Sardesai and his entire founding team resigned from the Network18 group after Reliance Industries Ltd acquired control.
Rajdeep Sardesai is married to journalist and author Sagarika Ghose, and the couple has two children, Ishan and Tarini. Despite his professional achievements, Sardesai has not been immune to controversies. In 2014, he was allegedly heckled and involved in a physical altercation with a group in Madison Square in New York. The incident sparked debates, with conflicting accounts of the events leading to the altercation.
In 2019, Sardesai, along with others, faced defamation charges related to false reporting on the role of IPS officer Rajiv Trivedi in the death of Sohrabuddin Sheikh. The charges were later dropped after an unconditional apology.
Rajdeep Sardesai's contributions to journalism have been widely acknowledged. In 2008, he was honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of India. His coverage of the 2002 Gujarat riots earned him the International Broadcasters Award, and he received the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism award in 2006. The ENBA award in 2020 recognised Sardesai's lifetime achievement in the field of journalism.
Beyond his journalistic endeavours, Sardesai is a prolific author. His books, including "How Modi Won India," "The Election That Changed India," and "Democracy's XI," reflect his deep insights into Indian politics and societal dynamics. Co-authoring a chapter in the book "Gujarat: The Making of a Tragedy," Sardesai continues to contribute to the discourse on crucial events in Indian history.
Rajdeep Sardesai's journey in journalism exemplifies a commitment to truth, resilience in the face of challenges, and a relentless pursuit of journalistic excellence. As he continues to be a significant voice in Indian media, his impact on shaping public discourse remains indelible.
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