Shubhankar Mishra is a name synonymous with bold journalism, digital innovation, and a unique ability to connect with millions through traditional and new media platforms. As an Indian journalist, news anchor, YouTuber, and social media influencer, Mishra has carved a distinctive identity in the media landscape. His journey from a small town in Uttar Pradesh to becoming a celebrated media personality is a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and commitment to impactful storytelling.
Early Life and Education
Shubhankar Mishra was born on April 10, 1993, in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, India, into a modest Brahmin family. His father, Harihar Mishra, works in a private firm, while his mother, Anupam Mishra, serves as the headmaster of Prathmik Vidyalaya Babhnan. Growing up in a close-knit family with two siblings—a brother, Saurabh Mishra, and a sister, Radha Mishra—Shubhankar was instilled with values of hard work and education from an early age.
His academic journey began at St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School in Gonda, where he excelled in his studies. Initially, Shubhankar was set on a conventional path toward engineering, a career choice influenced by his parents' aspirations. He pursued a Bachelor of Technology degree in Mechanical Engineering from Galgotias University, a decision that aligned with the expectations of many middle-class Indian families. However, a pivotal moment came when he watched the Bollywood film 3 Idiots, which sparked a moment of self-reflection. Inspired by the movie’s message of following one’s passion, Shubhankar made a bold decision to pivot from engineering to journalism, a field that allowed him to combine his curiosity, communication skills, and desire to make a difference.
Career Beginnings in Journalism
Shubhankar’s foray into journalism began with regional news channels, where he honed his skills as a reporter and anchor. His early career included stints at India News Uttar Pradesh and India News Haryana, where he developed a reputation for fearless reporting and an engaging on-screen presence. His ability to connect with audiences, particularly in Hindi-speaking regions, quickly set him apart in the competitive world of television journalism.
Over time, Shubhankar worked with prominent news channels such as TV9 Bharatvarsh and Aaj Tak, where he served as a Senior Correspondent. His work at these outlets showcased his knack for delivering hard-hitting news with clarity and conviction. Whether covering political developments, social issues, or breaking news, Shubhankar’s distinctive voice and relatable style resonated with viewers across India.
Transition to Digital Media and Influencer Status
In 2023, Shubhankar Mishra took a significant leap into digital media, recognizing the growing influence of online platforms. He launched digital ventures such as NewsBook and CricketBook, aimed at delivering accessible and engaging content to a broad audience. These platforms allowed him to tap into the digital-first generation, blending traditional journalism with modern storytelling techniques.
With over 11.4 million followers on Instagram and a strong presence on YouTube and X, Shubhankar has become a social media powerhouse. His ability to break down complex news stories into digestible content has made him a go-to source for millions of young Indians seeking reliable information. His podcast, Unplugged, hosted by The Times of India, further showcases his versatility, featuring conversations with prominent figures from entertainment, sports, and politics. Interviews with personalities like filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri and cricketer Shashank Singh have garnered significant attention, cementing his status as a multifaceted media personality.
Recent News: Joining NDTV India
In a major career milestone, Shubhankar Mishra announced in June 2025 that he would join NDTV India as a Consulting Editor, set to host a prime-time show starting in July 2025. This move marks a significant shift in Hindi journalism, as Shubhankar brings his digital-first approach to one of India’s most respected news channels. His announcement on X, where he shared, “Now ‘Consulting Editor’ at NDTV, July se raat 8 baje hogi aap logon se TV par bhi mulaqat,” generated widespread excitement among his followers. Industry observers view his arrival at NDTV as a defining moment, promising to reshape how news is consumed and discussed in India.
Controversies and Challenges
While Shubhankar Mishra’s career has been marked by success, it has not been without controversies. His bold reporting style and willingness to ask tough questions have occasionally stirred debate, earning both praise and criticism.
1. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Misinformation (June 2025)
On June 12, 2025, false reports circulated on social media claiming that Shubhankar was among the victims of a tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 270 lives. Shubhankar swiftly took to his X account to denounce these misleading claims, sharing a screenshot of a post that falsely used his photograph. His response highlighted the dangers of misinformation and reaffirmed his commitment to combating fake news. This incident underscored his prominence in the public eye, as such rumors only target high-profile figures.
2. Bengaluru Stampede Video Controversy (June 2025)
Shubhankar faced backlash from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans after releasing a video titled RCB's Victory Parade or a Funeral March?, commenting on a stampede tragedy in Bengaluru. The video sparked outrage among some fans who felt it unfairly criticized the RCB franchise. Shubhankar’s commentary, while intended to provoke discussion, was seen as insensitive by a section of viewers, highlighting the challenges of navigating sensitive topics as a public figure.
3. IPL 2025 Qualifier Moment with RJ Mahvash (May 2025)
During the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and RCB, Shubhankar was spotted in the stands alongside RJ Mahvash, rumored to be dating cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal. The moment went viral, with netizens speculating about their interaction. Shubhankar addressed the buzz on social media, emphasizing the overwhelming support he received from fans at the stadium and downplaying the speculation. This incident showcased his ability to handle public scrutiny with grace while maintaining focus on his professional achievements.
4. Bold Political Commentary (April-May 2025)
Shubhankar has gained attention for his fearless questioning of political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. In April 2025, he became one of the first journalists to publicly challenge the government’s claims about demonetization’s impact on terrorism, particularly in the context of the Pahalgam terror attack. Similarly, in May 2025, he criticized BJP leader Vijay Shah for controversial remarks against Sofia Qureshi, stating, “I am ashamed of this mentality, India’s global image is getting hurt due to such irresponsible remarks.” These instances have earned him praise for his courage but also made him a polarizing figure among political supporters.
Personal Life
Shubhankar Mishra is married to Poornima Mishra, though he keeps his personal life relatively private, focusing public attention on his professional endeavors. His grounded upbringing in Gonda and adherence to Hindu values continue to shape his worldview, reflected in his relatable and authentic communication style. Despite his busy career, Shubhankar remains connected to his roots, often sharing insights into his small-town background to inspire others.
Impact and Legacy
Shubhankar Mishra’s journey from an aspiring engineer to a trailblazing journalist and influencer is a story of reinvention and resilience. His ability to bridge traditional journalism with digital media has made him a role model for aspiring journalists in India. By leveraging platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and X, he has democratized access to news, making it more engaging and accessible to younger audiences. His upcoming role at NDTV India is expected to further amplify his influence, potentially redefining prime-time journalism in the Hindi heartland.
Top 10 Interesting Facts About Shubhankar Mishra
- Inspired by 3 Idiots: Shubhankar’s decision to abandon engineering for journalism was influenced by the Bollywood film 3 Idiots, which encouraged him to follow his passion.
- Massive Social Media Following: With over 11.4 million Instagram followers, Shubhankar is one of India’s most influential digital journalists.
- Digital Entrepreneur: He launched NewsBook and CricketBook to deliver news and sports content to a digital audience.
- Podcast Host: His podcast Unplugged features high-profile guests, including Vivek Agnihotri and Shashank Singh.
- Small-Town Roots: Born in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, Shubhankar’s journey from a small town to national prominence is inspiring.
- Fearless Journalism: He gained attention for questioning political figures like Narendra Modi and Amit Shah on sensitive issues.
- NDTV Prime-Time Role: In July 2025, Shubhankar will host a prime-time show on NDTV India as Consulting Editor.
- Survived Fake News Scare: In June 2025, he refuted false claims of his death in an Ahmedabad plane crash.
- IPL 2025 Viral Moment: His appearance with RJ Mahvash during an IPL match sparked widespread online speculation.
- Mechanical Engineering Background: Despite his media career, Shubhankar holds a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from Galgotias University.
FAQs About Shubhankar Mishra
Q1: What is Shubhankar Mishra’s background?
A: Shubhankar Mishra was born on April 10, 1993, in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. He holds a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering but transitioned to journalism inspired by the film 3 Idiots.
A: Shubhankar Mishra was born on April 10, 1993, in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. He holds a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering but transitioned to journalism inspired by the film 3 Idiots.
Q2: Which news channels has Shubhankar worked with?
A: He has worked with India News Uttar Pradesh, India News Haryana, TV9 Bharatvarsh, Aaj Tak, and will join NDTV India as Consulting Editor in July 2025.
A: He has worked with India News Uttar Pradesh, India News Haryana, TV9 Bharatvarsh, Aaj Tak, and will join NDTV India as Consulting Editor in July 2025.
Q3: What are Shubhankar’s digital ventures?
A: He launched NewsBook and CricketBook to deliver news and sports content to digital audiences.
A: He launched NewsBook and CricketBook to deliver news and sports content to digital audiences.
Q4: What controversies has Shubhankar been involved in?
A: Shubhankar faced backlash for a video on a Bengaluru stampede, refuted false death rumors in an Ahmedabad plane crash, and stirred debate with bold political commentary.
A: Shubhankar faced backlash for a video on a Bengaluru stampede, refuted false death rumors in an Ahmedabad plane crash, and stirred debate with bold political commentary.
Q5: Is Shubhankar Mishra married?
A: Yes, he is married to Poornima Mishra, though he keeps his personal life private.
A: Yes, he is married to Poornima Mishra, though he keeps his personal life private.
Q6: What is Shubhankar’s role at NDTV?
A: Starting in July 2025, he will serve as Consulting Editor and host a prime-time show on NDTV India.
A: Starting in July 2025, he will serve as Consulting Editor and host a prime-time show on NDTV India.
Q7: Why is Shubhankar popular on social media?
A: His engaging style, fearless journalism, and digital platforms like NewsBook and CricketBook have earned him over 11.4 million Instagram followers.
A: His engaging style, fearless journalism, and digital platforms like NewsBook and CricketBook have earned him over 11.4 million Instagram followers.
Conclusion
Shubhankar Mishra’s journey from a small-town engineering aspirant to a leading figure in Indian journalism is a remarkable story of courage and reinvention. His ability to adapt to the evolving media landscape, coupled with his fearless approach to storytelling, has made him a household name. As he steps into his new role at NDTV India, Shubhankar is poised to leave an indelible mark on Hindi journalism, blending traditional reporting with digital innovation. With a massive online following and a growing legacy, he continues to inspire millions to engage with news in meaningful ways.
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