Sudhir Chaudhary is a household name in Indian journalism, renowned for his bold and straightforward reporting style. As the consulting editor at Aaj Tak and the anchor of the prime-time show DNA (Daily News and Analysis), Chaudhary has carved a niche in the competitive world of television news. His career, spanning over three decades, has been marked by significant achievements, controversies, and a recent high-profile deal with Doordarshan (DD News).
Early Life and Education
Sudhir Chaudhary was born on June 18, 1972, in Palwal, Haryana, India, into a middle-class family. Growing up in a modest environment, Chaudhary developed an early interest in current affairs and storytelling. He pursued his higher education at the prestigious University of Delhi, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Arts. To hone his journalistic skills, he enrolled at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in New Delhi, completing a Diploma in Journalism. This academic foundation equipped him with the tools to navigate the evolving landscape of Indian media.
Chaudhary’s early exposure to journalism came during the 1990s, a transformative period for Indian television with the advent of private news channels. His passion for reporting and analysis set the stage for a career that would make him one of the first-generation television journalists in India.
Career Trajectory
Sudhir Chaudhary’s journalistic journey began in the 1990s, a time when 24-hour news television was still in its infancy in India. He started as a reporter, covering breaking news and live events, which helped him develop a knack for engaging storytelling. His big break came when he joined Zee News, where he spent over a decade, eventually rising to the position of Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Zee News, Zee Business, and WION.
At Zee News, Chaudhary became synonymous with the prime-time show DNA, which combined in-depth analysis with a distinctive presentation style. His ability to simplify complex issues for the common viewer earned him a massive following. In June 2022, Chaudhary left Zee News to join Aaj Tak as a Consulting Editor, continuing to host DNA and maintaining his influence in the Hindi news space. His move to Aaj Tak was seen as a strategic step to leverage his experience in a new media environment.
In 2025, Chaudhary made headlines by signing a high-profile deal with Prasar Bharati to host a one-hour weekday show on DD News, marking a significant shift in his career. The deal, reportedly worth ₹15 crore per annum (plus GST) with a 10% annual escalation, aims to rejuvenate Doordarshan’s programming and enhance its digital strategy.
Recent News (2025)
Sudhir Chaudhary’s return to television via DD News has been a major development in 2025. Here are the key updates:
- DD News Deal (March 2025)
- Prasar Bharati finalized a ₹15 crore annual deal with Chaudhary’s ESSPRIT Productions Pvt Ltd for a prime-time show on DD News, set to air five days a week starting in May 2025. The agreement has sparked debates due to its high cost and Chaudhary’s controversial past. Some DD News employees view the deal as a boost for the channel’s rejuvenation, while others criticize it as an overconcentration of power.
- Show Launch (May 2025)
- Chaudhary returned to television with Decode with Sudhir Chaudhary on DD News, focusing on topics like social media’s role in spying and national security issues. The show has been promoted heavily on social media, with posts highlighting its investigative content.
- Industry Commentary (April 2025)
- In a podcast with Governance Now, Chaudhary discussed the stagnation in the news broadcast industry, noting that the lack of innovation over the past 20 years has shifted viewership to social media platforms. He emphasized the need for reinvention to compete with influencers who command larger audiences.
Controversies
Sudhir Chaudhary’s career has been punctuated by several controversies, often stemming from his bold reporting style and alleged biases. Below are the major controversies associated with him:
- Extortion Case (2012)
- Chaudhary and his colleague Samir Ahluwalia were arrested in 2012 following allegations by businessman Naveen Jindal, who claimed they attempted to extort ₹100 crore in exchange for dropping a story about Jindal’s company. Both spent time in Tihar Jail before being released on bail. The case remains a significant blot on Chaudhary’s career, with critics questioning his journalistic ethics.
- Fake News Allegations (2008)
- In 2008, Chaudhary was implicated in a case involving a fabricated report accusing a school teacher of prostitution. The incident led to his brief imprisonment and drew widespread criticism for unethical journalism.
- Karnataka FIR (September 2023)
- Chaudhary was booked by Bengaluru Police for allegedly spreading misinformation about a Karnataka government subsidy scheme for minorities. He claimed the scheme excluded Hindus, omitting that it was available to SC, ST, and BC communities through other corporations. The FIR, filed under IPC Sections 153A and 505, accused him of promoting communal enmity. The Karnataka High Court granted interim protection, but the case highlighted his polarizing reporting style.
- Jharkhand Tribal Remarks Case (2024)
- In January 2024, Chaudhary faced an FIR under the SC/ST Act for allegedly making derogatory remarks against the tribal community following the arrest of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The Jharkhand High Court and Supreme Court granted him interim protection from arrest.
- LGBTQIA+ Community Remarks (January 2025)
- The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) censured Aaj Tak, India Today, and Chaudhary for remarks made during a show that violated the dignity of the LGBTQIA+ community. The NBDSA noted that the comments were not in good taste, adding to Chaudhary’s list of ethical controversies.
- Diljit Dosanjh Spat (November 2024)
- Chaudhary challenged actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh to create hit songs without references to alcohol, following a Telangana government directive against such lyrics. Dosanjh responded sharply, defending his work and criticizing Chaudhary’s stance, escalating the public feud.
- Boycott by INDIA Parties (2023)
- In September 2023, the INDIA alliance, a coalition of opposition parties, announced a boycott of 14 journalists, including Chaudhary, accusing them of spreading biased narratives. This move underscored his polarizing presence in Indian media.
Personal Life
Sudhir Chaudhary is married to Niti Chaudhary, and the couple has one son. He maintains a low profile regarding his personal life, focusing primarily on his professional endeavors. In 2015, Chaudhary received X-category security due to reported threats to his life, reflecting the risks associated with his high-profile reporting.
Top 10 Interesting Facts About Sudhir Chaudhary
- First-Generation TV Journalist: Chaudhary is among India’s earliest television journalists, starting his career in the 1990s when 24-hour news was emerging.
- DNA’s Popularity: His show DNA revolutionized prime-time news with its analytical format, making complex issues accessible to viewers.
- Tihar Jail Stints: Chaudhary has faced imprisonment twice, in 2008 for a fake news report and in 2012 for alleged extortion.
- DD News Deal: His ₹15 crore deal with Doordarshan in 2025 is one of the highest-paid contracts for a news anchor in India.
- Social Media Influence: Chaudhary has a significant following on platforms like X, where he engages with viewers and promotes his shows.
- IIMC Alumnus: He graduated from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, a premier journalism school in India.
- Zee News Legacy: He served as Editor-in-Chief of Zee News, shaping its editorial direction for over a decade.
- Communal Controversy: His 2023 Karnataka FIR for alleged misinformation sparked debates about journalistic responsibility.
- Security Cover: Chaudhary received X-category security in 2015 due to threats linked to his reporting.
- Podcast Insights: In 2025, he highlighted the need for news broadcast innovation, critiquing the industry’s stagnation.
FAQs About Sudhir Chaudhary
Q1: Who is Sudhir Chaudhary?
A1: Sudhir Chaudhary is an Indian journalist and Consulting Editor at Aaj Tak, known for hosting DNA and a new show on DD News. He was formerly Editor-in-Chief of Zee News.
A1: Sudhir Chaudhary is an Indian journalist and Consulting Editor at Aaj Tak, known for hosting DNA and a new show on DD News. He was formerly Editor-in-Chief of Zee News.
Q2: What is Sudhir Chaudhary’s latest project?
A2: In 2025, he signed a ₹15 crore deal with Prasar Bharati to host a prime-time show, Decode with Sudhir Chaudhary, on DD News.
A2: In 2025, he signed a ₹15 crore deal with Prasar Bharati to host a prime-time show, Decode with Sudhir Chaudhary, on DD News.
Q3: Why is Sudhir Chaudhary controversial?
A3: He has faced controversies for alleged extortion (2012), fake news (2008), and communal remarks, including a 2023 Karnataka FIR and a 2024 Jharkhand case.
A3: He has faced controversies for alleged extortion (2012), fake news (2008), and communal remarks, including a 2023 Karnataka FIR and a 2024 Jharkhand case.
Q4: What was the Diljit Dosanjh controversy?
A4: In 2024, Chaudhary challenged Dosanjh to create hit songs without alcohol references, prompting a public rebuttal from the singer.
A4: In 2024, Chaudhary challenged Dosanjh to create hit songs without alcohol references, prompting a public rebuttal from the singer.
Q5: Has Sudhir Chaudhary been jailed?
A5: Yes, he was imprisoned in 2008 for a fake news report and in 2012 for alleged extortion.
A5: Yes, he was imprisoned in 2008 for a fake news report and in 2012 for alleged extortion.
Q6: Why did INDIA parties boycott him?
A6: In 2023, the INDIA alliance boycotted Chaudhary and 13 other journalists, alleging biased reporting.
A6: In 2023, the INDIA alliance boycotted Chaudhary and 13 other journalists, alleging biased reporting.
Conclusion
Sudhir Chaudhary’s journey from a small-town journalist to a leading figure in Indian media is a testament to his resilience and influence. His career, marked by groundbreaking shows like DNA and high-profile deals like the DD News contract, reflects his ability to stay relevant in a dynamic industry. However, controversies surrounding his reporting style and legal battles have made him a polarizing figure. As he continues to shape public discourse through his new show, Decode with Sudhir Chaudhary, his legacy remains a blend of journalistic innovation and contentious debates.
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