Rajat Sharma is a prominent Indian journalist, media executive, and entrepreneur, best known as the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of India TV and the host of Aap Ki Adalat. His interview show, which first aired in 1993, is the longest-running reality show in Indian television history, cementing his status as a highly influential and familiar face on TV for over 27 years.
Sharma’s career in journalism began as a researcher, quickly leading to editorial roles at Onlooker, Sunday Observer, and The Daily. This experience paved the way for his media entrepreneurship, co-founding the news channel India TV in 2004. His influence in the broadcast industry is underscored by his recent unanimous election as President of the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA), the largest organization of news broadcasters and digital media in India, in July 2024.
A recipient of the Padma Bhushan in 2015, one of India's highest civilian awards, Sharma remains highly active in policy and legal advocacy. Following his own experience with a malicious deepfake video, he filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Delhi High Court, urging the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to block platforms that facilitate deepfake creation, arguing that current legislation does not adequately address the challenge.
As a speaker and commentator, Rajat Sharma is an influential voice on Indian politics, media, and current affairs, hosting the prime time news show Aaj Ki Baat. His legal advocacy on deepfakes and his role as Vice President of the Indian Broadcasting Foundation underscore his dedication to navigating the ethical and technological challenges of the digital era. His story provides unique insights into the intersection of journalism, entrepreneurship, and power in modern India.
