Rajat Sharma is more than a journalist; he is a media institution. Sharma is the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of India TV and the famous host of Aap Ki Adalat. In 2026, he has more power than ever. His journey from a small room in Old Delhi to becoming the undisputed voice of Indian news broadcasting is a model of how to be strong.
This new 2026 profile talks about the most recent things he’s done in his career, like being the head of the NBDA and the legal battles that have shaped his life in recent years.
Rajat Sharma: A Quick Look (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) |
News from the NBDA: Re-election for 2025-2026
As a landmark decision within the industry, Rajat Sharma was elected as the President of the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA) for the 2025-2026 term. It is evident that his re-election has cemented Sharma’s status as the key custodian of journalism ethics in the ever-changing world of digital journalism in India. The aggressive push towards regulation on AI-created deepfakes by the NBDA under Sharma’s watch began due to his personal experiences with digital clones in 2024.
The Defamation Battle: Legal Update for 2026
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: Although the concluding hearing will take place on July 27, 2026, forensic investigations have suggested that there are “visible changes” made in the video clips uploaded by the defendant, thus giving an early win to Sharma’s reputation management.
From Poverty to Power: The Legacy of Aap Ki Adalat
Sharma started his life in the slums of Sabzi Mandi, Old Delhi, among seven brothers and sisters living in abject poverty. His incarceration during the Emergency period of 1975 and 11 months in Tihar Jail changed him from an ABVP student leader to a crusader for accountability.
- 800+ Guests in the Last 33 Years of Aap Ki Adalat: Launched way back in 1993, the show has entertained more than 800 guests till date. In the recent episodes of 2026, it saw Sonu Sood and Nishikant Dubey on board, showing that the format still holds.
- India TV Growth: Founded with his wife, Ritu Dhawan, in 2004, India TV is currently worth more than ₹500 Crore and has been continuously holding the number one position in terms of Hindi news ratings.
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 programme) generates an estimated ₹25 Lakh monthly through AdSense and brand integrations.
Personal Life: The Power Couple
In 1997, Rajat Sharma got married to Ritu Dhawan. Ritu is the CEO of India TV and works silently from the background to make the operations of the television station a huge success. The two maintain a low profile by living in their house in New Delhi, but they are often seen attending major events in the country, such as the Delhi 2025 Assembly Elections.
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.
