Naghma Sahar is a distinguished name in Indian journalism, celebrated for her incisive reporting, unbiased anchoring, and deep understanding of socio-political issues. As a senior anchor and Associate Editor at NDTV India, she has carved a niche in Hindi news broadcasting, hosting impactful shows like Salaam Zindagi and International Agenda. With over two decades in the media industry, Naghma’s journey from a young reporter to a respected journalist reflects her resilience, intellectual rigor, and commitment to truth. This biography delves into her early life, career milestones, personal story, and lasting influence, offering an in-depth look at one of India’s most ethical media personalities.
Early Life: Roots in Patna, Bihar
Naghma Sahar was born on August 18, 1973, in Patna, Bihar, into a traditional Muslim family. Raised in a middle-class household, she grew up alongside her two sisters, Reshma Sahar and Sayema Sahar, under the guidance of parents who valued education and discipline. Her father worked for the Government of Bihar, providing a stable yet modest upbringing that instilled a strong work ethic in Naghma. While specific details about her childhood are private, her formative years in Patna shaped her curiosity about the world—a trait that would later define her journalistic career.
Naghma’s academic journey took her from Patna to Delhi, where she pursued higher education with distinction. She earned a Master’s degree in Geography from the Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, showcasing her analytical mind. She furthered her studies with a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), focusing on gender and nutrition—subjects that hinted at her early interest in social issues. As a UGC Junior Research Fellow (JRF) scholar specializing in rural development, Naghma initially aspired to an academic career, but destiny had other plans.
Entry into Journalism: A Shift in Path
Naghma Sahar’s journalism career began in 1999, though some sources suggest she dipped her toes into media earlier with a brief stint at The Asian Age as a print journalist. Her transition to television came with Aaj Tak, one of India’s leading Hindi news channels, where she started as a reporter. This phase allowed her to develop her skills in ground reporting, a passion she carried throughout her career. Her time at Aaj Tak was formative, exposing her to the fast-paced world of broadcast media and sharpening her ability to deliver news with clarity.
In 2003, Naghma made a pivotal move to NDTV India, the Hindi arm of the NDTV network, founded by Prannoy Roy. She was among the talented anchors poached from Aaj Tak to bolster NDTV’s Hindi offerings. This shift marked the beginning of a long and fruitful association with NDTV, where she would rise to prominence as a senior anchor and Associate Editor. Her bilingual proficiency in Hindi and English, coupled with her Urdu fluency, made her a versatile journalist capable of reaching diverse audiences.
Rise at NDTV India: A Career Defined by Impact
Naghma Sahar’s tenure at NDTV India has been nothing short of remarkable. Over two decades, she has become a trusted voice, known for her impartiality—a rare attribute in an industry often criticized for bias. Her breakthrough came with extensive coverage of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, where she spent weeks in Tamil Nadu’s worst-hit areas, reporting from ground zero. This courageous assignment brought her national attention and established her as a journalist unafraid to tackle challenging stories.
Her portfolio includes coverage of major events like the Mumbai serial train blasts, Kashmir elections, and the launch of the Delhi-Lahore bus service. These assignments showcased her ability to blend on-the-ground reporting with studio analysis, a skill that set her apart. Naghma’s flagship program, Salaam Zindagi, became a watershed moment in her career. The talk show, unique for its time, tackled sensitive topics like transgender rights, drug abuse, and social taboos, earning her a dedicated audience and critical acclaim.
Other notable programs include Ran Neeti, Vote Yatra, and the ongoing International Agenda, where she dissects global news and India’s defense policies on weeknights. Her month-long Election Express bus journey across India during election seasons exemplified her commitment to grassroots journalism. As of February 22, 2025, Naghma remains a key figure at NDTV India, adapting to digital shifts while upholding the channel’s legacy of credible reporting.
Beyond NDTV: Contributions to Research and Discourse
Naghma Sahar’s influence extends beyond television. As a Senior Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), she tracks India-related developments in Pakistan and China, offering nuanced insights into geopolitics. Her weekly video series, India’s World, hosted by ORF, delves into global events affecting India, showcasing her expertise in international affairs. Her academic background in rural development has also led to collaborations with UN agencies like the Population Council and NGOs like the Centre for Social Research, focusing on women’s issues—an echo of her MPhil research.
In 2019, Naghma delivered a TEDx talk at Shivaji College, titled “Responsibilities of a Journalist,” where she reflected on media’s role in shaping public opinion. She emphasized the challenges facing television newsrooms—credibility, integrity, and the pressure to capture attention—urging journalists to prioritize substance over sensationalism. This speech, available online, remains a powerful testament to her values.
Personal Life: Love, Family, and Privacy
Naghma Sahar’s personal life reflects her preference for discretion, a rarity in the media world. She is married to Rajiv Srivastava, a media professional (not a journalist), in a union that blends her Muslim heritage with his Hindu background. The couple, who wed in 2003, resides in Noida and has a daughter, Ira Tazeen. Despite their interfaith marriage, Rajiv has respected Naghma’s choice to remain Muslim, highlighting their mutual respect and understanding.
Naghma’s family extends to her parents, still based in Patna, and her sisters, Reshma and Sayema. While she keeps her private life out of the spotlight, her social media—where she has a modest but engaged following—reveals a love for travel, photography, swimming, and reading. These hobbies offer a glimpse into the reflective side of a woman whose professional life demands constant intensity.
Style and On-Screen Presence
At 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing approximately 55 kg, Naghma Sahar exudes professionalism with a understated elegance. Her long black hair and dark eyes complement her poised demeanor, whether she’s anchoring a debate or reporting from the field. Her formal attire—often sarees or tailored suits—reinforces her image as a serious journalist, while her confident delivery resonates with viewers across India.
Naghma’s ability to speak Hindi, English, and Urdu fluently enhances her versatility, allowing her to connect with urban and rural audiences alike. Her calm, measured tone during heated debates—like those on Paanch Ki Baat—has earned her praise as a voice of reason in a polarized media landscape.
Challenges and Integrity
Naghma Sahar’s career has been remarkably free of controversies, a feat in an industry rife with accusations of bias. She describes herself as “anti-establishment, not anti-party,” a stance that reflects her commitment to questioning power without aligning with any political faction. Her impartiality has shielded her from the criticisms faced by peers, though she’s navigated challenges like the evolving media landscape and NDTV’s ownership shift to the Adani Group in 2022 with grace.
Her ethical approach shone through in moments like her coverage of sensitive issues on Salaam Zindagi, where she prioritized empathy over sensationalism. This integrity, coupled with her long tenure at just two channels (Aaj Tak and NDTV), underscores her loyalty and consistency.
Net Worth and Recognition
Estimates of Naghma Sahar’s net worth vary, with some sources suggesting $160 million—a figure that seems exaggerated given her journalistic career. More realistic estimates place her wealth between ₹4-10 crore, derived from her NDTV salary, speaking engagements, and awards. She’s received honors like a UGC scholarship and recognition as a TEDx speaker, though specific journalism awards are less documented.
Legacy in Indian Journalism
As of 2025, Naghma Sahar, at 51, remains a pillar of Hindi journalism. Her 20+ years at NDTV India, combined with her work at ORF, position her as a bridge between traditional broadcasting and modern discourse. She’s mentored aspiring journalists through her example, showing that credibility and depth can coexist in a sensationalized era. Her coverage of the 2004 tsunami, Kashmir elections, and social issues has left an indelible mark, while her focus on rural development and gender reflects a broader societal impact.
Naghma’s legacy is her stubborn impartiality—a phrase often used to describe her. In a 2021 ThePrint article co-authored with Rasheed Kidwai, she explored vaccine hesitancy during Ramadan, blending cultural insight with journalistic rigor. For those searching “Naghma Sahar journalist” or “NDTV anchor,” her story is one of substance over hype—a beacon for ethical reporting in India. What’s your favorite Naghma moment? Share below and celebrate this remarkable voice!
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