Barkha Dutt Quits NDTV After 21 Years, Likely To Set Up Her Own Venture

Television anchor and senior journalist Barkha Dutt has resigned as Consulting Editor of NDTV.

The Padma Shri-winner had stepped down as Group Editor at the channel in February 2015 and has been a Consulting Editor since then.

“In 1995, Barkha Dutt joined NDTV straight out of college, and now, after 21 wonderful years together, Barkha has requested that she would like to explore some new opportunities, pursue other interests and work on her own ventures," according to a statement issued by the television channel.

"In all her years with NDTV, she has been hugely productive and has grown with the organisation, becoming an acclaimed, award-winning journalist of repute across India and many parts of the world. We are certain that Barkha will go from strength to strength and NDTV wishes her all the very best,” it added.

The popular television anchor on Sunday (January 15) announced that she would be quitting as the Consulting Editor of NDTV in a series of tweets.

“Did my last We The People. At 16 yrs its longest running TV show which I built from scratch, won scores of awards for & am hugely proud of,” she tweeted.

“Its been a super ride at NDTV but new beginning in 2017. I shall be moving on from NDTV to explore new opportunities & my own ventures!” she added.

"As I move on after 21 Great NDTV yrs; a team I’m SO proud of, an Emmy Nomination & many other awards to cap it all, I count on your wishes. Hugely excited to start New Year on a new slate, diversify my interests & build my own independent projects. Watch this space for more!” the veteran journalist added.

Dutt was reticent about her next move but said that she will most likely come up with her own "projects".

Of late, Dutt joined The Washington Post's Global Opinion section as a contributing columnist, according to a tweet she had put out on January 9.

The award winning journalist had become a household name after her frontline coverage of the Kargil War from the border posts in 1999.

Her stint with NDTV, however, was also marred by controversy as she figured in the controversial Radia tapes.