Rohit Sardana was a name synonymous with fearless journalism and impactful news anchoring. His dynamic presence on television screens made him one of the most recognized faces in Indian media. His untimely demise on April 30, 2021, left a void in the industry, but his legacy continues to inspire aspiring journalists.
Born on September 22, 1979, in Kurukshetra, Haryana, Rohit was a journalist who believed in presenting facts with conviction. His career spanned over two decades, during which he worked with leading news channels like Zee News and Aaj Tak. His shows, including ‘Dangal’ and ‘Taal Thok Ke’, became household names, known for their intense debates and thought-provoking discussions.
Beyond his professional achievements, Sardana was a family man. He was married to Pramila Dixit, a journalist and writer, and together they had two daughters, Mitthu and Kashi. His sudden passing due to a heart attack after contracting COVID-19 shocked the nation, with tributes pouring in from political leaders, fellow journalists, and admirers.
Early Life & Education
Rohit was born into a Hindu family in Kurukshetra, Haryana, on September 22, 1979. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, he developed a keen interest in current affairs and storytelling from a young age. His early years were spent in Kurukshetra, where he was known for his inquisitive nature and sharp intellect.
Sardana completed his schooling at Gita Niketan Awasiya Vidyalaya, a well-regarded institution in Kurukshetra. His academic journey continued at Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, where he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. His interest in media and communication led him to enroll in a Master’s program in Mass Communication, which laid the foundation for his future career in journalism.
Career Journey in Journalism
Sardana’s journey into journalism began in the early 2000s when he started working as a copy editor. His initial years were spent learning the technical aspects of news production, including anchoring, editing, and post-production. His dedication and passion for journalism quickly earned him recognition.
Sardana’s first major break came when he joined ETV Network, where he worked as a Video Toaster Editor under a Japanese team. His experience at ETV helped him understand the nuances of television journalism, preparing him for bigger opportunities.
Rohit Sardana Wiki | BIO
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rohit Sardana |
| Profession | Journalist, News Anchor |
| Date of Birth | 22 September 1979 |
| Birthplace | Kurukshetra, Haryana, India |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Mother Tongue | Hindi |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) |
| Weight | 74 kg (163 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Career Highlights | Anchor at Zee News & Aaj Tak |
| Notable Shows | Dangal (Aaj Tak), Taal Thok Ke (Zee News), Karmakshetra |
| Awards | NT Award, ENBA Award, Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Award, KIGA (2019) |
| Net Worth | ₹8 crore (Approx.) |
| Date of Death | 30 April 2021 |
| Place of Death | Metro Hospital, Noida |
| Cause of Death | Cardiac arrest after COVID-19 |
| Spouse | Pramila Dixit |
| Children | Two daughters – Mitthu & Kashi |
| @sardana.rohit/ | |
| Wikipedia | @Rohit_Sardana |
Transition from Zee News to Aaj Tak
In 2004, he joined Zee News, where he took on multiple roles, including executive editor, anchor, and news presenter. His ability to engage audiences with compelling storytelling and hard-hitting debates made him a standout journalist.
After spending over a decade at Zee News, Sardana made a significant career move in 2017 when he joined Aaj Tak as a senior anchor. His show ‘Dangal’ became immensely popular, known for its fiery debates and in-depth analysis of political and social issues.
Shows Hosted by Rohit Sardana
One of Sardana’s most popular shows was ‘Dangal’, aired on Aaj Tak. This prime-time debate show became a platform for discussing pressing political and social issues. Sardana’s sharp questioning and ability to moderate intense discussions made ‘Dangal’ a must-watch for viewers interested in current affairs.
The show featured politicians, analysts, and experts debating topics ranging from governance to public policies. Sardana’s approach was direct—he challenged panelists with tough questions, ensuring that viewers received a balanced perspective on various issues.
Taal Thok Ke on Zee News
Before joining Aaj Tak, Sardana was the face of ‘Taal Thok Ke’, a debate show on Zee News. This program was known for its high-energy discussions, where Sardana dissected political narratives and social concerns. His ability to simplify complex topics and present them in an engaging manner made ‘Taal Thok Ke’ a widely followed show.
During the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Sardana produced and hosted ‘Karmakshetra’, a unique show that assessed the performance of Members of Parliament (MPs). The program aimed to hold politicians accountable by analyzing their contributions to their constituencies. Sardana created a “report card” for MPs, evaluating their work based on public welfare initiatives, policy decisions, and governance.
Recognitions & Awards
Sardana’s excellence in journalism earned him the NT Award for Best Anchor, recognizing his ability to present news with clarity and impact. His contributions to Hindi journalism were further acknowledged with the ENBA Award, a prestigious honor given to outstanding news anchors.
In 2018, Sardana received the Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Award, conferred by the Government of India. This award is given to journalists who demonstrate exceptional dedication to Hindi journalism. In 2019, Sardana was honored with the Kalam Innovation in Governance Award (KIGA), recognizing his efforts in promoting transparency and accountability in journalism.
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Spouse & Kids
Rohit married Pramila Dixit on January 29, 2007. Pramila is a journalist, writer, radio presenter, poet, blogger, and columnist. The couple shared a deep bond, supporting each other’s careers while raising their family.
Sardana was a devoted father to his two daughters, Mitthu and Kashi. Despite his demanding career, he prioritized spending time with his family, ensuring his daughters received a nurturing upbringing.
Sardana was survived by his mother and brother, who is a Computer Science engineer. While he kept details about his parents private, his close relationship with his family was evident in his personal life.
Physical Attributes
Rohit had a commanding presence, standing at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. His weight was approximately 74 kg (163 pounds), giving him a well-balanced physique. His black hair and deep black eyes added to his charismatic on-screen persona.
Born under the Virgo zodiac sign, Sardana was known for his analytical thinking, meticulous approach, and strong communication skills. His ability to break down complex topics and present them in a simplified manner made him a favorite among viewers.
Controversies
On November 16, 2017, Rohit posted a tweet that sparked a major controversy. In his tweet, he questioned why the word ‘sexy’ was used before Hindu goddesses but not before deities of other religions, such as the Prophet Muhammad, Ayesha, Fatima, or Mother Mary. This statement led to massive protests, with many demanding strict action against him.
Following his tweet, Muslim protesters surrounded the offices of India Today and Aaj Tak in Bangalore, calling for accountability. The controversy gained traction on social media, with heated debates about religious sensitivity and freedom of speech.
Despite the backlash, Sardana remained firm in his stance, defending his right to express his opinions. The incident highlighted the polarized nature of media discourse in India, where journalists often find themselves at the center of heated debates.
Net Worth & Salary
Rohit had an estimated net worth of ₹8 crore. His earnings came from his work as a senior anchor, journalist, and editor at leading news channels.
While exact figures remain undisclosed, Sardana was among the highest-paid Hindi news anchors in India. His association with Zee News and Aaj Tak ensured a lucrative career, with additional earnings from public speaking engagements and media collaborations.
Rohit Sardana’s Last Days
In April 2021, Sardana tested positive for COVID-19. He shared the news with his colleagues on April 24, 2021, stating that he was recovering. However, his health took a sudden turn for the worse.
On April 30, 2021, Sardana’s condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to his hospitalization at Metro Hospital in New Delhi. Despite medical intervention, he suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away at 11 AM.
His official cause of death was cardiac arrest following complications from COVID-19. The news of his passing sent shockwaves across the media industry, with tributes pouring in from journalists, politicians, and admirers.
Mourning & Tributes
Sardana’s death was met with widespread grief. His colleagues and fellow journalists expressed their sorrow, remembering him as a fearless and dedicated news anchor.
Several prominent leaders paid tribute to Sardana, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who tweeted his condolences, Home Minister Amit Shah, who called Sardana’s passing a huge loss to journalism, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who praised his contributions to Hindi media, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who expressed his sorrow on social media.
Social media was flooded with messages of grief and remembrance. Viewers shared clips of Sardana’s most impactful debates, celebrating his legacy as a journalist who never shied away from asking tough questions.
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