Pune: India TV chairman and editor-in-chief Rajat Sharma has advised students to dream big in life.
"I never thought I would make it this far. As a young man, I wanted a bank job so I could at least feed my family, but my father had other plans", Sharma said at the 'Festival of Thinkers' organised by Symbiosis International University, Lavale last week.
Describing his early days struggle in life, Sharma narrated an incident that made a huge impact on his life.
“Television was a huge thing in those days. Once I went to a neighbour's house to watch the movie Shaheed Bhagat Singh but they didn't let me enter. I returned home disappointed when my father told me to do something that I appear on television and people watch me. Those words stuck”, said India TV chairman.
“My father taught me to fight in life. He taught me to be fearless and never lose hope,” recalled Sharma.
Sharma described how he began his foray in journalism as a researcher and went on to become the editor of Onlooker magazine in Mumbai by 1985.
He described how he met Zee TV chairman Subhash Chandra on a flight and gave a rough idea about a TV talk show.
"He called me after a few days to ask if I would like to host the show. I couldn't believe it. After some persuasion, I agreed and ‘Aap Ki Adalat' went on board on March 13, 1992,” said Sharma.
In the longest running TV talk show Aap Ki Adalat, Sharma has till date grilled about over 800 personalities.
“I faced innumerable challenges to make this show work but I also had the privilege of interviewing great leaders and cinema stars,” said Sharma.
Recalling the episode where he interviewed the late Bal Thackeray, Sharma says, “Many told me that Shiv Sainiks won't let me leave Mumbai alive if I grill Balasaheb. When I asked him this, he replied saying that they definitely will, as this is the first time two lions have come face to face.”
The distinguished editor advised students to be humble and ask questions with respect. “A journalist has a lot of power but he should never take it for granted. We can never demean or insult a guest but give him a chance to speak unlike some anchors from popular news channels,” Sharma said.
He also advised students to uphold honesty, morals and ethics in life as there is no ‘shortcut to success'.
“Always remember that there are two kinds of dreams. One is when you are sleeping at night and the other that gives you sleepless nights until and unless you achieve it. Aim for the second one,” he said.
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