History of Rajat Sharma in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 6, 2026

Rajat Sharma is a prominent Indian journalist and businessperson, currently serving as the chairman and Editor-in-Chief of India TV. He gained widespread recognition as the host of the popular television show "Aap Ki Adalat," which debuted in 1993 and has become the longest-running reality show in Indian television history. Sharma's contributions to journalism and television were acknowledged in 2015 when he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors.

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Full Timeline

February 1957: Rajat Sharma's Birth

In February 1957, Rajat Sharma was born in Sabzi Mandi, Delhi.

Others born on this day/year

1963: Schooling at Sanatan Dharm Middle School

In 1963, Rajat Sharma started his schooling from Sanatan Dharm Middle School, Subzi Mandi.

1971: Schooling at Ramjas School

In 1971, Rajat Sharma began schooling at Ramjas School, Pusa Road.

1975: Imprisoned in Tihar Jail

In 1975, Rajat Sharma was arrested and imprisoned in Tihar Jail for 11 months for his involvement in the movement led by Jayprakash Narayan.

1977: Elected General Secretary of DUSU

In 1977, Rajat Sharma was elected the General Secretary of the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU).

1984: Chief-of-Bureau at Onlooker

In 1984, Rajat Sharma became the chief-of-bureau at the fortnightly magazine Onlooker.

1985: Editor at Onlooker

In 1985, Rajat Sharma became the editor of Onlooker magazine in Mumbai.

1987: Editor of Sunday Observer

In 1987, Rajat Sharma became the editor of the newspaper Sunday Observer.

1992: Editor of The Daily

In 1992, Rajat Sharma remained the editor of The Daily.

1993: Starts Hosting Aap Ki Adalat

In 1993, Rajat Sharma started hosting 'Aap ki Adalat' on Zee TV.

1993: Aap Ki Adalat First Aired

In 1993, Rajat Sharma's television show 'Aap Ki Adalat' first aired, becoming the longest-running reality show in India's television history.

2004: Co-founded India TV

In 2004, Rajat Sharma co-founded the TV news channel India TV along with his wife Ritu Dhawan.

2014: Harassment Allegations by Tanu Sharma

In 2014, India TV's former anchor Tanu Sharma filed FIR against two India TV executives, including Rajat Sharma, alleging workplace harassment.

2015: Awarded Padma Bhushan

In 2015, Rajat Sharma was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian awards.

May 2023: Lawsuit Against Ravindra Kumar Choudhary

In May 2023, Rajat Sharma filed a lawsuit against Ravindra Kumar Choudhary, resulting in the Delhi High Court restraining Choudhary from using names similar to "Aap Ki Adalat".

June 2024: Defamation Suit Filed by Rajat Sharma

In June 2024, Rajat Sharma faced allegations of abusive language during a live broadcast, leading him to file a defamation suit, and the Delhi High Court ordered the removal of defamatory material.