India TV Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Rajat Sharma attended a Rotary District event in Mumbai on Saturday, where he shared engaging anecdotes about his early struggles, his formative years in journalism, and his iconic show Aap Ki Adalat. Speaking about his childhood, Rajat Sharma remarked, "My childhood was not as wonderful as it may appear on screen today."
While addressing the event, he talked about his family, childhood memories, struggling life, and the teachings of his father. He said how once in his childhood, his neighbour had closed the window so that he could not watch TV, but when his father saw him on TV after many years, he said, "Now I can leave this world in peace."
Rajat Sharma recalls the National Emergency era
Speaking about the Emergency period, Rajat Sharma recounted his days at Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) and his friendship with Arun Jaitley. He said that there were no sources of information at that time, so he started a small newspaper in the form of a pamphlet to raise awareness among people. He explained that despite enduring police beatings in Tihar Jail, he was never afraid of anything.
Rajat Sharma shared details about 'Aap Ki Adalat'
Rajat Sharma said that after doing M.Com, he thought of becoming a teacher, but he learned to write and got his first job in 1983 at Rs 750 per month. In 1985 he joined a magazine in Mumbai and worked there for 8 years. Rajat Sharma said in detail about the beginning of 'Aap Ki Adalat'. He said that Zee TV started in 1992. Ramesh Chauhan and Gulshan Grover met Subhash Chandra on a flight, and after this, the concept of Adalat was discussed. He said that the first show was of Lalu Yadav on February 12, 1992.
How the first episode of Aap Ki Adalat changed his life
Rajat Sharma said, "Laluji called and said that he was coming, bringing two cameramen with him. Some labourers were working nearby. Laluji said, "Make these people sit as well." Namitaji was persuaded to be the judge. In this way the show became very good, but later it was found that the audio was not recorded. All the questions were recorded again, and that show changed my entire life."
Speaking about making guests feel comfortable, Rajat Sharma said, "I myself feel very nervous, but after hearing my wife Ritu's voice - when she says, '10 seconds left' - my mind immediately calms down."
We have never disrespected any guest: Rajat Sharma
Rajat Sharma said, "We have never disrespected any guest. We always tell our guests that if there is any mistake, we will correct it. We ask the questions that are on the public's mind. The show is completely unscripted - nothing is decided in advance."
Speaking about an episode featuring Arun Jaitley, he recalled that during the period of demonetisation he asked some tough questions. After the show, his wife Ritu told him, "You weren't fair to your friend."
Rajat Sharma added, "Later, Jaitleyji himself said, 'It's your job to ask questions, and I am proud of you.' People with such a large heart are rare."
Who inspired Rajat Sharma to launch India TV?
While narrating the story behind the launch of India TV, Rajat Sharma said that he was inspired by a freedom fighter and an elderly couple. He recalled, "In the initial days, there wasn't even enough money to pay salaries. But together with my wife Ritu, we endured every hardship and built the channel."
He added that he taught the editorial team that people's time is valuable, and therefore news must be accurate and meaningful. Speaking about receiving the Padma Bhushan, Rajat Sharma said, "I didn't feel anything extraordinary - what truly matters is the love of the people. The biggest honour is the public's affection."
