![]() |
Sucherita Kukreti, Republic Bharat |
Sucherita Kukreti is a prominent name in Indian television journalism, celebrated for her dynamic presence as a senior anchor at Republic Bharat. Known for her sharp intellect, confident delivery, and ability to handle high-octane debates, Sucherita has carved a niche for herself in the competitive world of Hindi news broadcasting. With a career spanning over 15 years, she has worked with leading media houses like India TV and Al Jazeera before becoming a household name with Republic Bharat’s popular debate show, Mahabharat.
Early Life and Background
Sucherita Kukreti was born on March 10, 1983, in New Delhi, India, into an upper-middle-class Brahmin family. Raised in the bustling capital city, she grew up with a strong sense of ambition and a deep-rooted desire to make her mark in the world of media. Her father, Umesh Kukreti, is a senior executive at a multinational corporation, while her mother, Archana Kukreti, is a homemaker who played a pivotal role in nurturing Sucherita’s dreams. She also has a sister, Sonal Kukreti, though little is known about her sibling’s professional pursuits.
From a young age, Sucherita exhibited a flair for communication and storytelling. Her family’s support and her exposure to Delhi’s vibrant culture fueled her aspirations to become a television journalist. She completed her schooling at St. Thomas Girls School, one of the city’s reputed institutions, before enrolling at Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi University, where she earned a degree in Mass Communications. During her school and college years, Sucherita actively participated in hosting events, debates, and cultural programs, laying the foundation for her future career.
Career Beginnings: From Acting to Journalism
Before stepping into the world of journalism, Sucherita Kukreti briefly explored acting. In her early 20s, she appeared in minor roles in soap operas on Zee TV. However, despite her efforts, she couldn’t secure lead roles, and after two years of struggle, she decided to pivot to journalism—a field she had always been passionate about since her school days. This transition marked the beginning of an illustrious career that would see her rise to prominence in Indian media.
Sucherita’s journalism journey began with an internship at small media firms, followed by a stint at Al Jazeera, where she worked as a voice-over artist for international news tailored for Indian audiences. This role honed her skills in news delivery and gave her an early taste of the global media landscape. Her ability to present news with clarity and poise caught the attention of industry veterans, setting the stage for her next big move.
Rise to Fame at India TV
Sucherita Kukreti’s breakthrough came when she joined India TV, a leading Hindi news channel helmed by veteran journalist Rajat Sharma. Appointed as a senior anchor, she became the face of the popular news show Super Fast 200, a fast-paced program that delivered 200 news updates in a single broadcast. The show’s unique format and Sucherita’s engaging presentation style made it a massive hit, particularly in northern India, catapulting her to fame.
During her tenure at India TV, Sucherita earned a reputation for her neutral and professional approach to news anchoring. Unlike many anchors who infuse personal opinions into their broadcasts, she focused on delivering facts with precision, earning the trust of viewers. However, despite her success, Sucherita felt restricted at India TV, as the channel rarely offered her opportunities for on-ground reporting or prime-time anchoring—areas she was keen to explore. This dissatisfaction eventually led to a pivotal decision in her career.
Transition to Republic Bharat and Legal Battle
In 2018, Sucherita Kukreti made headlines when she resigned from India TV to join Republic Bharat, the Hindi arm of Arnab Goswami’s Republic TV network. Her move was met with resistance from India TV, which filed a legal suit against her, claiming she breached a three-year contract that was set to end in November 2019. The channel sought an injunction to prevent her from appearing on Republic Bharat and demanded over Rs. 2 crore in damages, arguing that they had invested heavily in grooming her as an anchor.
The case sparked a high-profile legal battle, with the Delhi High Court ultimately ruling in Sucherita’s favor in January 2019. The court dismissed India TV’s plea, emphasizing that restricting her from working violated her fundamental right to choose her profession. The judgment was a landmark victory not just for Sucherita but for journalists across India, highlighting the importance of personal liberty and career freedom in the media industry.
Success at Republic Bharat
Since joining Republic Bharat, Sucherita Kukreti has emerged as one of the channel’s most recognizable faces. She hosts Mahabharat, a prime-time debate show that ranks among the top three Hindi news programs in India. Known for its fiery discussions and intellectual rebuttals, the show has showcased Sucherita’s ability to manage complex debates with finesse and authority.
Beyond the studio, Sucherita has embraced her passion for on-ground reporting, covering major events like the Prana Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, the 2022 Uttar Pradesh elections, the abrogation of Article 370, and the US Presidential elections. Her fieldwork, including her coverage of the 2019 Pulwama attack aftermath, has been widely praised for bringing raw, unfiltered stories to viewers. At Republic Bharat, she has found the creative freedom and opportunities she sought, cementing her status as a versatile journalist.
Personal Life
Sucherita Kukreti is a private individual when it comes to her personal life. She is reportedly married to Vishal Chopra, a former Regional Manager at Solid Works, and the couple has two children—a son named Shaurya Chopra and a daughter. However, details about her family remain scarce, as Sucherita prefers to keep her personal and professional lives separate. Her social media presence, including her Facebook page with over 12,000 followers, focuses primarily on her work and opinions as a journalist.
At 41 years old (as of 2024), Sucherita maintains a fit and elegant appearance, often seen in traditional attire like sarees and salwar kameez during broadcasts. Standing approximately 5’7” tall and weighing around 55 kg, she embodies a poised and professional persona that resonates with her audience.
Achievements and Recognition
Sucherita Kukreti’s contributions to journalism have not gone unnoticed. In May 2019, she received the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Film Foundation Award for excellence in journalism, a testament to her impact on the industry. Her relentless coverage of the Sushant Singh Rajput suicide case in 2020 further solidified her reputation as a journalist committed to pursuing truth and justice.
With an estimated net worth of over Rs. 90 lakh, derived from her anchoring career and other ventures, Sucherita leads a comfortable lifestyle while continuing to inspire aspiring journalists across India.
Note on the Dispute Between Arnab Goswami and Rajat Sharma
Sucherita Kukreti’s transition from India TV to Republic Bharat sparked a notable dispute between two media titans—Arnab Goswami, the founder of Republic TV, and Rajat Sharma, the chairman of India TV. The conflict began in late 2018 when Sucherita resigned from India TV to join Republic Bharat ahead of its launch. India TV, under Rajat Sharma’s leadership, filed a lawsuit against her, alleging breach of contract and seeking to block her from appearing on air with Republic Bharat. The channel argued that Sucherita’s departure would harm its reputation and viewership, given her popularity as the anchor of Super Fast 200.
Arnab Goswami, known for his bold and confrontational style, stood firmly by Sucherita, framing the legal battle as a fight for journalistic freedom. The dispute escalated into a broader rivalry between the two news networks, with Republic Bharat positioning itself as a direct competitor to India TV in the Hindi news space. The Delhi High Court’s ruling in Sucherita’s favor in January 2019 was a significant setback for Rajat Sharma, who reportedly viewed her exit as a personal and professional affront.
The clash highlighted tensions between established media houses and emerging players like Republic TV, with Sucherita unwittingly becoming a focal point in their power struggle. While the legal matter was resolved, the episode deepened the animosity between Goswami and Sharma, fueling ongoing debates about ethics, contracts, and competition in Indian media.
Top Ten Interesting Facts About Sucherita Kukreti
- Early Acting Career: Before journalism, Sucherita acted in minor roles in Zee TV soap operas.
- Voice-Over Start: She began her journalism journey doing voice-overs for Al Jazeera’s international news.
- Breakthrough Show: Her anchoring of Super Fast 200 on India TV made her a household name.
- Legal Victory: She won a landmark case against India TV, affirming her right to work freely.
- Ground Reporting Passion: Sucherita prefers fieldwork over studio anchoring, covering events like the Pulwama attack and Ayodhya ceremony.
- Award Winner: She received the Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 2019 for excellence in journalism.
- Top-Rated Show: Her Republic Bharat show Mahabharat is among the top three Hindi news programs.
- Delhi Roots: Born and raised in New Delhi, she credits her family for her success.
- Educational Background: She graduated in Mass Communications from Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi University.
- Travel Enthusiast: Sucherita loves traveling and has visited scenic destinations like Russia, Italy, and Paris.
Conclusion
Sucherita Kukreti’s journey from a budding actress to a leading television journalist is a story of resilience, talent, and determination. Her ability to navigate challenges—be it a legal battle or the high-pressure world of news anchoring—has made her an inspiration for many. As she continues to shine at Republic Bharat, Sucherita remains a powerful voice in Indian journalism, blending professionalism with a passion for storytelling. Whether on the ground or in the studio, her legacy is one of impact, integrity, and excellence.
Sucherita Kukreti is one the most talented anchors in TV news industry. Her reporting from ground has been most admired when she conducted show from Dal lake few months back. Wish her good luck👍
ReplyDelete