Rajat Sharma stands as a towering figure in Indian journalism, renowned for his incisive interviews and unflinching style that have shaped public discourse for decades. As the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of India TV, and the iconic host of Aap Ki Adalat, Sharma has interviewed over 750 prominent personalities—from prime ministers to Bollywood stars—making him a household name. Born into humble beginnings, his journey from a modest Delhi neighborhood to the pinnacle of media success is a testament to resilience and vision. This comprehensive biography delves into his age, family life, financial standing, illustrious career, and more, offering a complete portrait of the man who has redefined Indian television.
Early Life and Education
Rajat Sharma was born on February 18, 1957, in Sabzi Mandi, Old Delhi, into a lower-middle-class Brahmin family. Growing up in a cramped 100-square-foot house without electricity or running water, Sharma shared the space with his six brothers, one sister, a crippled mother, and father. These early struggles instilled in him a deep sense of determination and a commitment to social causes. His father, H.B. Sharma, and the rest of the family provided a foundation rooted in Hindu values and resilience.
Sharma’s education began at Sanatan Dharm Middle School in Subzi Mandi (1963–1971), followed by Ramjas School on Pusa Road (1971–1974). He pursued higher studies at the prestigious Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi University, where he earned an M.Com. degree in 1982. A senior at SRCC even helped pay his fees during financial hardships. It was here that Sharma’s activism blossomed; he joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and was elected General Secretary of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) in 1977. His involvement in the Jayaprakash Narayan-led movement against the Emergency in 1975 led to his arrest and an 11-month imprisonment in Tihar Jail—a formative experience that fueled his passion for journalism as a tool for accountability.
Career: From Print to Television Icon
Sharma’s professional journey began in the late 1970s as a researcher for veteran political columnist Janardan Thakur, who encouraged him to write for magazines. By 1982, he joined the fortnightly Onlooker as a trainee reporter, rising to chief-of-bureau by 1984 and editor in Mumbai by 1985. His print media stints continued with editing Sunday Observer in 1987 and The Daily until 1992, where he honed his investigative skills.
The turning point came in 1993 when Sharma conceptualized Aap Ki Adalat during a conversation with Zee TV founder Subhash Chandra. Premiering on Zee TV in a courtroom-style format, the show became an instant hit, blending interrogation with drama. It remains India’s longest-running reality show, now over 30 years strong, and has aired on India TV since 2004. Sharma’s calm yet probing questions have held politicians, celebrities, and business leaders accountable, earning him the moniker “India’s toughest interviewer.”
In 2004, Sharma co-founded India TV with his wife, Ritu Dhawan, aiming to create a bold Hindi news channel amid the dominance of English media. Under his leadership, India TV grew into a powerhouse valued at over ₹500 crore, with its broadcast center in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Sharma also hosts the prime-time show Aaj Ki Baat and briefly served as President of the Delhi Cricket Association (resigning after 20 months due to corruption concerns). In July 2024, he was unanimously elected President of the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA), succeeding Avinash Pandey.
His accolades include the Padma Bhushan in 2015, one of India’s highest civilian honors, for contributions to journalism. Sharma’s career reflects innovation and influence, particularly his proximity to political figures like the late Arun Jaitley and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, though he maintains editorial independence.
Age and Personal Milestones
As of December 2025, Rajat Sharma is 68 years old. Despite his age, he remains active, casting his vote in the Delhi Assembly elections on February 5, 2025, in Greater Kailash. His life milestones include surviving the Emergency, launching a media empire, and advocating for digital ethics—such as filing a 2024 public interest litigation against deepfake platforms after becoming a victim himself.
Wife and Family
Rajat Sharma married Ritu Dhawan in 1997, a union that blended personal and professional synergy. Ritu, a seasoned TV producer and executive, serves as CEO of India TV and was instrumental in conceptualizing Aap Ki Adalat. Together, they built India TV from the ground up, with Ritu handling operations while Rajat focused on content and anchoring. The couple has no publicly known children, keeping their family life private amid Sharma’s high-profile career.
Sharma’s extended family includes his six brothers and one sister, with whom he shares a close bond rooted in their shared hardships. He credits his family’s support for his success, often emphasizing relationships in interviews. Ritu’s role extends beyond business; she is described as Sharma’s pillar, contributing to his composed public persona.
Net Worth and Salary
Rajat Sharma’s financial success mirrors his professional stature. As of 2026, his net worth is estimated at around ₹110–120 crore (approximately $13–15 million), derived primarily from his equity stake in India TV (valued at over ₹500 crore) and decades of media leadership. Some reports inflate this to higher figures like ₹243 crore or even billions, but conservative estimates from reliable sources peg it at $15 million, factoring in assets, investments, and digital media ventures.
His salary as Chairman and Editor-in-Chief is substantial, estimated at ₹25–35 lakh per month (₹3–4.2 crore annually), including bonuses. One source lists an annual figure of ₹5 crore. Additional income streams include hosting fees from Aap Ki Adalat and endorsements, with social media earnings adding $20,000–$30,000 monthly across platforms.
| Financial Metric | Estimated Value (January 2026) |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | ₹110–120 crore ($13–15 million) |
| Monthly Salary | ₹25–35 lakh |
| Annual Income | ₹3–5 crore |
| India TV Valuation | ₹500+ crore (co-owned) |
These figures underscore Sharma’s transition from poverty to prosperity, with his wealth secured through strategic media investments.
Controversies and Challenges
Sharma’s career hasn’t been without hurdles. In 2014, former India TV anchor Tanu Sharma filed an FIR alleging workplace harassment by Sharma and executives, claiming it led to her suicide attempt; Sharma denied the claims and threatened legal action. In June 2024, Congress leaders accused him of using abusive language during a live Lok Sabha election broadcast, prompting a defamation suit that the Delhi High Court ruled in his favor, ordering content removal.
He successfully defended his brand in 2023 against “Baap Ki Adalat” and “Jhandiya TV,” with the court barring their use. An RTI revealed his Padma Bhushan was recommended by Arun Jaitley, not the government’s list. These incidents highlight Sharma’s litigious approach to reputation management, while his deepfake PIL demonstrates forward-thinking advocacy.
Legacy and All You Need to Know
Rajat Sharma’s legacy is that of a pioneer who democratized news in Hindi, empowering regional voices and holding power to account. From Tihar Jail to the Padma Bhushan, his story inspires aspiring journalists. At 68, he continues to influence through NBDA leadership and ethical media pushes. Fun facts: He’s an Aquarius, enjoys socializing despite his schedule, and voted in Delhi’s 2025 elections with characteristic poise.
In an era of digital disruption, Sharma remains relevant, proving that authenticity endures. Whether grilling a celebrity or steering a media empire, Rajat Sharma embodies the courtroom of public opinion—one question at a time.
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 January 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.
