Rajat Sharma built his broadcast footprint by turning hard-hitting political interrogation into mainstream entertainment. As the chairman and editor-in-chief of India TV, his career spans student activism during the 1970s Emergency, print journalism leadership roles, and the creation of Aap Ki Adalat—India's longest-running television interview program. Understanding his trajectory requires looking past surface-level praise to examine how his unique interview style, format innovations, and institutional leadership shaped modern Indian media.
Early Life and Political Awakening
Growing up in a crowded household in Delhi's Sabzi Mandi area, Sharma experienced financial hardship early on. That background didn't stop him from pursuing higher education; he graduated with a degree in commerce from the prestigious Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC).
His entry into public life began before his media career took off. Drawn to the anti-establishment movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan in the 1970s, he spent nearly eleven months imprisoned in Tihar Jail during the Indian Emergency. This period forged his deep connections with political networks and gave him a front-row seat to state power dynamics. After his release, he won election as the general secretary of the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) in 1977, cementing his early immersion in political circles.
Transition from Print to Broadcast
Before dominating television screens, Sharma spent over a decade cutting his teeth in print journalism. He started as a researcher for veteran columnist Janardan Thakur, learning the mechanics of investigative reporting.
- Onlooker Magazine: He joined as a trainee reporter and climbed through the ranks to become the chief of bureau and later editor.
- The Sunday Observer: He took over editorial duties in 1987, guiding coverage during a volatile political decade.
- The Daily: He served as editor until 1992, managing daily newsroom pressures and refining his editorial voice.
This print foundation taught him how to structure a narrative, a skill that translated directly when he shifted toward the emerging television landscape in the early 1990s.
The Genesis of Aap Ki Adalat
In 1993, Sharma launched Aap Ki Adalat (Your Court), a format that changed Indian talk shows. Teaming up with television executive Subhash Chandra, the show placed powerful politicians, business titans, and cultural icons inside a simulated courtroom.
Instead of hostile shouting matches or softball questions, Sharma adopted the demeanor of a stern prosecutor. The studio audience functioned as a jury, while the guest sat in the witness box. This theatrical staging disarmed high-profile figures, forcing them to answer public grievances on national television. Over the decades, the program has featured more than 700 guests, including prime ministers, opposition leaders, and international figures, making it a cultural institution.
Founding India TV and Building an Empire
In 2004, Sharma and his wife, Ritu Dhawan, launched India TV, an independent 24-hour Hindi news channel. Transitioning from an independent host to a channel owner presented massive operational challenges. Under their leadership, India TV adopted aggressive reporting styles and high-energy broadcast formats that shook up the established television ecosystem.
Despite commercial success, running a major news network brought intense scrutiny. Critics often point to his close relationships with top-tier political figures—notably the late Bharatiya Janata Party leader Arun Jaitley—raising questions about journalistic independence and proximity to power. Balancing institutional influence with objective reporting remains a central debate surrounding his media legacy.
Industry Leadership and Regulatory Advocacy
Beyond running his network, Sharma has stepped into broader broadcast governance roles. In July 2024, he was unanimously elected as the president of the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA), representing major television and digital news publishers in India.
In recent years, his focus has expanded to digital safety and content regulation. Following a malicious AI-generated deepfake video targeting him, Sharma filed a prominent public interest litigation (PIL) in the Delhi High Court. He pushed for strict government mandates, asking tech platforms to establish rapid grievance mechanisms and clear labels for synthetic media. His legal actions also target copycat interview formats, successfully defending the intellectual property rights of his flagship shows.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Rajat Sharma start Aap Ki Adalat?
The show first premiered in 1993 on Zee TV before eventually moving to India TV. It stands as one of the longest-running television programs in Indian broadcasting history.
What is Rajat Sharma's educational background?
He completed his schooling in Delhi and earned a Master of Commerce degree from the Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC).
Has Rajat Sharma received any national civilian honors?
Yes. The Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan in 2015 in recognition of his contributions to journalism and broadcasting.
What is the NBDA role he holds?
He serves as the president of the News Broadcasters & Digital Association, an industry body that sets ethical guidelines and advocates for broadcast standards across Indian news organizations.
