Rajat Sharma is not just a journalist; he is a media institution. As the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of India TVand the legendary host of Aap Ki Adalat, Sharma’s influence in 2026 is stronger than ever. From his humble roots in a 100-sq-ft room in Old Delhi to becoming the undisputed voice of Indian news broadcasting, his journey is a blueprint for resilience.
This updated 2026 profile covers his latest career milestones, including his leadership at the NBDA and the legal battles that have defined his recent years.
Rajat Sharma: At a Glance (2026)
| Category | Details |
| Current Age | 69 Years (Born Feb 18, 1957) |
| Estimated Net Worth | ₹120 Crore – ₹150 Crore |
| Current Role | President, News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA) |
| Iconic Shows | Aap Ki Adalat (33 years running), Aaj Ki Baat |
| Education | M.Com, Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) |
Recent News: NBDA Re-election (2025-2026)
In a major industry move, Rajat Sharma was unanimously re-elected as President of the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA) for the 2025-2026 term. This re-election reinforces his position as the primary guardian of journalistic ethics in India’s rapidly evolving digital news landscape. Under his leadership, the NBDA has aggressively pushed for regulations against AI-generated deepfakes—a cause Sharma took up personally after falling victim to a digital clone in 2024.
2026 Legal Update: The Defamation Battle
Rajat Sharma’s “unflinching” style often leads to friction. In February 2026, a Delhi court summoned senior Congress leaders, including Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera, in a criminal defamation and forgery case filed by Sharma.
- The Conflict: The case stems from the 2024 Lok Sabha results debate, where Sharma alleged his footage was “doctored” to include abusive slurs.
- The Verdict: While the final hearing is set for July 27, 2026, forensic reports have already indicated “visible alterations” in the videos shared by the accused, marking a significant preliminary victory for Sharma’s reputation management.
From Poverty to Power: The Legacy of Aap Ki Adalat
Sharma’s journey began in Sabzi Mandi, Old Delhi, where he lived with seven siblings in extreme poverty. His arrest during the 1975 Emergency and 11-month stay in Tihar Jail transformed him from a student activist (ABVP) into a fierce seeker of accountability.
- 33 Years of Aap Ki Adalat: Since its debut in 1993, the show has hosted over 800 guests. Recent 2026 episodes featured Sonu Sood and Nishikant Dubey, proving the show’s format remains relevant to Gen Z and Millennials alike.
- India TV Expansion: Co-founded with his wife, Ritu Dhawan, in 2004, the channel is now valued at over ₹500 Crore, consistently ranking in the top tier of Hindi news viewership.
Financial Standing: Net Worth & Salary 2026
While various sources inflate his wealth, conservative financial disclosures and India TV’s market valuation place his net worth between ₹120 Crore and ₹150 Crore as of early 2026.
- Annual Salary: Estimated at ₹3 Crore – ₹5 Crore, inclusive of his roles as Chairman and anchor.
- Digital Revenue: His YouTube presence (Aap Ki Adalat channel) generates an estimated ₹25 Lakh monthly through AdSense and brand integrations.
Personal Life: The Power Couple
Rajat Sharma married Ritu Dhawan in 1997. Ritu, the CEO of India TV, is the silent force behind the channel’s operational success. The couple maintains a private life in their New Delhi residence, often seen together at major national events, such as the Delhi 2025 Assembly Elections, where Sharma’s presence at the polling booth in Greater Kailash was a highlight for local media.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How old is Rajat Sharma in 2026?
Rajat Sharma turned 69 on February 18, 2026.
What is the latest status of Rajat Sharma’s defamation case?
A Delhi court has summoned Congress leaders for a hearing on July 27, 2026, after forensic evidence supported Sharma’s claim of video tampering.
Who is the owner of India TV?
India TV is owned by Independent News Service (INS), which was co-founded by Rajat Sharma and Ritu Dhawan.
Disclaimer
The information presented in this article about Rajat Sharma’s biography, age, family, net worth, salary, career, and other personal details is compiled from publicly available sources, interviews, news reports, and online references as of April 2026. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, some details—particularly financial figures such as net worth and salary—are estimates based on media reports and industry sources and may vary. Readers are advised to treat such figures as approximate. This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not claim to be an official biography.
