Nidhi Razdan Biography: Age, Education, NDTV Career, Net Worth, Achievements

Detailed Biography

Early Life and Journalistic Heritage

Born on April 11, 1977, in New Delhi, Nidhi Razdan grew up immersed in the world of journalism. Her father, Maharaj Krishan Razdan, was the Editor-in-Chief of Press Trust of India (PTI), India’s largest news agency. This privileged exposure to journalism’s inner workings shaped young Nidhi’s worldview and career aspirations.

As a Kashmiri Pandit family originally from Budgam in Central Kashmir, the Razdans represented the educated, professional diaspora that had settled in Delhi. Growing up, Nidhi Razdan witnessed political discussions, editorial debates, and the critical role of free press in democracy—all within her own home.

Education and Preparation

Nidhi Razdan attended Apeejay School in Sheikh Sarai, New Delhi, where she excelled academically and developed strong communication skills. Her journey through Lady Shri Ram College further honed her analytical abilities. The decision to pursue journalism professionally led her to the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), where she completed her Post-Graduate Diploma in Radio and TV Journalism in 1998-1999.

IIMC’s rigorous curriculum prepared Nidhi Razdan for the challenges of broadcast journalism—tight deadlines, live reporting, ethical dilemmas, and the responsibility of informing millions of viewers.

The NDTV Era Begins (1999-2020)

Nidhi Razdan joined NDTV in 1999, at a transformative moment in Indian television. The 24-hour news format was gaining prominence, and NDTV, under Prannoy and Radhika Roy, was establishing itself as India’s most credible news organization.

Starting in entry-level positions, Nidhi Razdan demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and journalistic integrity. Within a few years, she transitioned from behind-the-scenes roles to on-camera reporting and eventually anchoring.

Diplomatic Correspondent and Expertise Building

As NDTV’s diplomatic correspondent, Nidhi Razdan covered India’s complex foreign policy landscape. She reported on:

• The historic India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement
• India-Pakistan relations
• India’s Look East policy
• Bilateral relations with major powers

This expertise established Nidhi Razdan as one of India’s most knowledgeable journalists on international affairs.

Prime-Time Icon: Left, Right & Centre

Nidhi Razdan’s flagship show, “Left, Right & Centre,” became essential viewing for anyone interested in Indian politics. The show’s format—bringing together experts, politicians, and commentators from across the political spectrum—exemplified balanced journalism.

Unlike many debate shows that descended into shouting matches, Nidhi Razdan maintained civility and substance. She asked tough questions to all sides, refused to let politicians evade issues, and ensured viewers heard substantive policy discussions.

Kashmir Coverage: Personal and Professional

As a Kashmiri Pandit, Nidhi Razdan brought unique perspective to Kashmir coverage. She never shied from discussing the Kashmiri Pandit exodus—a defining trauma for her community. However, she also reported on Kashmir’s broader complexities:

• Kashmiri aspirations for dignity and development
• Security challenges and militancy
• Political solutions and reconciliation efforts
• Everyday lives of ordinary Kashmiris

This balanced approach earned both appreciation and criticism, but Nidhi Razdan maintained that journalism required objectivity even on deeply personal issues.

The Harvard Phishing Scam (2020-2021)

In June 2020, Nidhi Razdan announced she was leaving NDTV after 21 years to join Harvard University as an associate professor in the journalism school. The announcement shocked India’s media industry—it seemed like a prestigious capstone to an already distinguished career.

For months, Nidhi Razdan communicated with people she believed were Harvard representatives. She received offer letters, visa documentation, employment contracts, and onboarding materials. She completed paperwork, provided personal information, and made preparations to relocate to the United States.

However, in January 2021, when attempting to finalize arrangements with Harvard, Nidhi Razdan discovered the horrifying truth: the entire offer was an elaborate phishing scam. There was no job. The “Harvard representatives” were fraudsters. Months of communications, documents, and promises were all fabricated.

On January 15, 2021, Nidhi Razdan publicly announced the scam on Twitter and through a blog post on NDTV. With remarkable courage and transparency, she detailed how she had been deceived, filed complaints with Delhi Police, and cooperated with cybercrime investigations.

The incident highlighted:

• The sophistication of modern phishing attacks
• The vulnerability of even experienced professionals
• The importance of verifying credentials directly with institutions
• The psychological manipulation techniques used by scammers

Rather than hiding in shame, Nidhi Razdan turned her victimization into a public service, educating others about cyber fraud risks. Colleagues, viewers, and fellow journalists rallied around her, appreciating her honesty and courage.

Return to NDTV and Final Departure (2022-2023)

In February 2022, Nidhi Razdan returned to NDTV to anchor the primetime show “No Spin.” This return was seen as a fresh start after the phishing ordeal. However, on January 31, 2023, she announced her permanent resignation from NDTV.

The reasons for her final departure weren’t fully disclosed, but it represented a transition to greater professional independence and diversified career pursuits.

Academic and Independent Career (2021-Present)

Since May 2021, Nidhi Razdan has served as:

• Director of Strategic Programs at Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM University)
• Visiting Faculty Member at Kautilya School of Public Policy

These academic positions allow Nidhi Razdan to mentor the next generation of journalists and policy professionals, sharing decades of practical experience.

As an independent journalist, she:

• Writes columns and opinion pieces
• Provides media consulting
• Delivers keynote speeches
• Engages in public discourse through social media
• Works on long-form journalism projects

Personal Life and Privacy

Nidhi Razdan married fellow journalist and writer Neelesh Misra in 2005. Misra, known for his journalism, storytelling, and radio work, seemed like a compatible partner from the same professional world. However, the marriage ended in divorce in 2007, just two years later.

Both maintained dignity throughout the separation, refraining from public discussions about their relationship. Since the divorce, Nidhi Razdan has been intensely private about her personal life, choosing to let her professional work define her public identity.