What Happened to Rajat Sharma?
Rajat Sharma is a prominent Indian journalist and businessperson, best known as the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of India TV and the host of the long-running interview show 'Aap Ki Adalat'. He continues to be an influential figure in Indian media, recently re-elected as President of the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA) for the 2025-2026 term, and was involved in a defamation suit against Congress leaders in early 2026.
Quick Answer
Rajat Sharma remains the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of India TV and the host of 'Aap Ki Adalat'. As of April 2026, he was re-elected President of the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA) for the 2025-2026 term and is actively pursuing a defamation suit against Congress leaders regarding allegations made in June 2024. Most recently, his daughter, Disha Sharma, celebrated her wedding on April 4, 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Delhi
Rajat Sharma was born in Sabzi Mandi, Delhi.
Imprisoned during Emergency
He was arrested and imprisoned in Tihar Jail for 11 months for his involvement in the Jayaprakash Narayan movement during the Emergency.
Elected General Secretary of DUSU
After his release, he was elected the General Secretary of the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU).
Started journalism career with Onlooker
He began his journalism career as a trainee reporter for the fortnightly magazine 'Onlooker'.
Launched 'Aap Ki Adalat'
Sharma started hosting 'Aap Ki Adalat' on Zee TV, which became a groundbreaking and long-running interview show.
Pioneered India's first private TV news bulletin
Rajat Sharma created history by launching India's first private television news bulletin, beamed across Asia, Europe, and North Africa.
Married Ritu Dhawan and co-founded INS
He married Ritu Dhawan, and together they established Independent News Service (INS), the parent company of India TV.
Co-founded India TV
Rajat Sharma co-founded the Hindi news channel India TV with his wife Ritu Dhawan, serving as its Chairman and Editor-in-Chief.
Awarded Padma Bhushan
He received the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, for his contributions to journalism.
Defamation suit filed against Congress leaders
Sharma filed a defamation suit against Congress leaders Ragini Nayak, Jairam Ramesh, and Pawan Khera following allegations of abusive language during a live broadcast.
Elected President of NBDA
He was unanimously elected as the President of the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA).
Re-elected NBDA President for 2025-2026 term
Rajat Sharma was unanimously re-elected as President of the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA) for the 2025-2026 term.
Honored with One World One Family Global Leadership Award
He received the One World One Family Global Leadership Award in Bengaluru.
Delhi court summons Congress leaders in defamation case
A Delhi court summoned Congress leaders Ragini Nayak, Pawan Khera, and Jairam Ramesh in response to Rajat Sharma's criminal defamation complaint.
Daughter Disha Sharma's wedding
His daughter, Disha Sharma, a legal professional, married Sudarshan M.J. in a high-profile ceremony in Mumbai.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Rajat Sharma, born on February 18, 1957, has carved a significant niche in Indian journalism and media. His career began in the late 1970s, transitioning from print media, where he held editorial positions at 'Onlooker', 'Sunday Observer', and 'The Daily', to television. A pivotal moment arrived in 1993 with the launch of 'Aap Ki Adalat' on Zee TV, an interview show formatted as a courtroom, which became one of India's longest-running and most popular television programs.
In 2004, Sharma co-founded India TV with his wife, Ritu Dhawan, establishing it as a major Hindi news channel. Under his leadership as Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, India TV gained prominence for its news coverage and impactful programming. His contributions to journalism were recognized with the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian awards, in 2015.
In recent years, Sharma has continued to be a prominent voice and leader in the media industry. In July 2024, he was unanimously elected as the President of the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA), an organization representing news broadcasters and digital media in India. His leadership was reaffirmed with his re-election for the 2025-2026 term in September 2025. He also received the One World One Family Global Leadership Award in November 2025.
Sharma has also been involved in legal matters. In May 2023, he successfully filed a lawsuit against an individual for using names deceptively similar to his show. More significantly, in June 2024, he filed a defamation suit against Congress leaders Ragini Nayak, Jairam Ramesh, and Pawan Khera. The suit alleged that these leaders made false accusations of him using abusive language during a live broadcast of the Lok Sabha election results and circulated a manipulated video. In February 2026, a Delhi court summoned the Congress leaders, finding sufficient prima facie evidence to proceed with the criminal complaint, following a forensic examination that indicated alterations in the disputed videos.
As of April 2026, Rajat Sharma remains at the helm of India TV and the NBDA, continuing his influential role in Indian media. On a personal note, his daughter, Disha Sharma, a legal professional, married Sudarshan M.J. in a high-profile ceremony on April 4, 2026, attended by prominent figures from politics and entertainment.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Rajat Sharma made different choices?