On April 3, 2025, big news came from the Indian media world. Rahul Kanwal, a famous TV journalist, said goodbye to India Today Group after 22 years. He is now joining NDTV. This change is exciting for many people. Rahul is a well-known name in Indian news. His move to NDTV starts a fresh story in his long career. Let’s learn more about Rahul Kanwal, his life, and this new step.
Early Life of Rahul Kanwal
Rahul Kanwal was born on September 14, 1980. His birthplace is Patna, Bihar, India. He grew up in a simple family. His father, Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal, was an army officer. He was also a writer and thinker. Rahul’s mother took care of the home. He has a younger brother who lives in London. Rahul spent his childhood in Patna. He loved reading and learning new things. From a young age, he showed interest in stories and news.
Rahul went to school in Patna. Later, he moved to Allahabad for college. He studied at St. Joseph’s College there. After that, he joined Delhi University. He wanted to become a journalist. So, he took journalism as his subject. He worked hard in his studies. He also got a chance to study abroad. Rahul became a Chevening Scholar. He went to Cardiff University in the UK. There, he learned about international broadcast journalism. He also got a special grant from Rory Peck Trust. This helped him study hostile environment journalism.
Starting His Career
Rahul Kanwal began his career in 1999. He was just 19 years old. His first job was at Zee News. He worked as an anchor and reporter. He was young but full of energy. He asked big leaders tough questions. One of his first interviews was with Atal Bihari Vajpayee. At that time, Vajpayee was India’s Prime Minister. This was a proud moment for Rahul. He worked at Zee News for three years. He learned a lot during this time.
In 2002, Rahul joined Aaj Tak. This was a big step for him. Aaj Tak is a popular Hindi news channel. Rahul started as a reporter there. Soon, he became an anchor too. He worked day and night. His hard work paid off. In 2004, he became a special correspondent. Two years later, in 2006, he was a senior special correspondent. People liked his simple way of talking. He made news easy to understand.
Rahul Kanwal Ndtv Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Salary, Qualification, Net Worth, Wife, Family
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rahul Kanwal |
| Birth Date | September 14, 1980 |
| Birth Place | Deolali, Maharashtra, India (not Patna, Bihar) |
| Father | Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal (Army officer and writer) |
| Mother | Homemaker |
| Brother | Younger brother lives in London |
| Education | School in New Delhi, St. Joseph’s College (Allahabad), Delhi University, Cardiff University (UK) |
| Higher Studies | Chevening Scholar, Cardiff University (UK) |
| Career Start | 1999, Zee News (Anchor and Reporter) |
| First Big Interview | Atal Bihari Vajpayee (Prime Minister) |
| Joined Aaj Tak | 2002, Reporter and Anchor |
| Editor Role | 2007, Headlines Today (Age 27) |
| Famous Shows | Seedhi Baat, Newstrack, Jab We Met |
| Big Roles | News Director of India Today, Aaj Tak, Business Today |
| Awards | 2013 – Best Anchor (Indian Television Academy), 2016 – Maharana Award |
| Wife | Jasleen Dhanota (Married in 2011, works at UNICEF) |
| Son | Neevan |
| Hobbies | Golf, badminton, cricket, gym, visiting temples |
| Left India Today | April 3, 2025 (After 22 years) |
| Joined NDTV | April 4, 2025 (Likely Editor-in-Chief and CEO) |
| New Team Member | Shiv Aroor (Managing Editor, April 2025) |
| Salary (Old) | Around 35 lakh rupees per month at India Today |
| Salary (New) | Maybe 50 lakh rupees per month at NDTV |
| NDTV Owner | Adani Group (Since 2022) |
Rising to Fame
Rahul Kanwal’s big break came in 2007. He became the editor of Headlines Today. This was an English news channel under India Today Group. Rahul was only 27 years old. He was one of the youngest editors in India. He started a show called “Seedhi Baat.” This show was in Hindi. Many famous people came on it. Salman Khan, Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Arvind Kejriwal were some guests. Rahul asked them direct questions. Viewers loved his style.
Later, Rahul moved up in India Today Group. He became the News Director of India Today and Aaj Tak. He also took charge of Business Today. He led a team of over 500 reporters. His job was big and tough. He made sure news reached every home. He started “Newstrack,” a prime-time show. He also hosted “Jab We Met.” This was an interview show. Famous people like Amit Shah and Anant Ambani came on it. Rahul’s shows were a hit. People trusted him for true news.
Awards and Achievements
Rahul Kanwal worked hard and won many awards. In 2013, he got the Indian Television Academy Award. He was named the Best Anchor. This was a big honor. In 2016, he won another award. It was from the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation. These awards showed his talent. Rahul also started new things in journalism. He made the Anti-Fake News War Room (AFWA). This team checked fake news. He also started the Open Source Intelligence Desk (OSINT). These ideas made news better and safer.
Personal Life
Rahul Kanwal is a family man. He married Jasleen Dhanota in 2011. Jasleen works with UNICEF. She helps with communication and training. The couple has a son named Neevan. Rahul loves spending time with his family. He also likes sports. He plays golf, badminton, and cricket. Rahul stays fit by going to the gym. He is a spiritual person too. He visits temples and other holy places. Sometimes, he enjoys a drink at parties.
Leaving India Today Group
After 22 years, Rahul Kanwal left India Today Group. This news came on April 3, 2025. Kalli Purie, the Vice Chairperson, wrote a letter. She said Rahul was a big part of their team. She praised his work in news and elections. Rahul also wrote a letter. He called Arun Purie, the owner, his “second father.” He said leading India Today and Aaj Tak was his greatest honor. Rahul spent half his life there. Leaving was not easy for him.
Joining NDTV
Now, Rahul Kanwal is joining NDTV. This news came out on April 4, 2025. Many say he will be the Editor-in-Chief and CEO. This is a big role. He will report to Sanjay Pugalia. Sanjay is the CEO of AMG Media Networks. This company owns NDTV. Rahul’s new job is exciting. NDTV has many channels like NDTV 24×7 and NDTV India. It is owned by the Adani Group since 2022. Rahul will bring his skills to make it better.
People are talking about this move. Some say Rahul will earn more money. At India Today, he got about 35 lakh rupees a month. At NDTV, it might be 50 lakh rupees. But money is not the only reason. Rahul wants to do new things. NDTV has faced changes after the Adani Group took over. Many big journalists left. Now, Rahul and others like Shiv Aroor are joining. Shiv became Managing Editor in April 2025. Together, they will make NDTV strong.
What’s Next for Rahul?
Rahul Kanwal’s move to NDTV is a fresh start. He has big challenges ahead. NDTV wants to grow and win trust. Rahul’s experience will help. He knows how to lead teams. He can make news simple and true. Fans are waiting to see his new shows. They hope he brings the same energy. Rahul is ready to build something special. He said this in a message once.
Conclusion
Rahul Kanwal is a big name in Indian journalism. He started small in Patna. He worked hard and became a star. His 22 years at India Today Group were full of success. Now, on April 5, 2025, we see him start at NDTV. His life shows us that dreams come true with effort. Rahul’s story is not over. It is just a new page. We wish him luck in this journey. His voice will keep telling India’s stories.
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