Sanjay Pugalia

Some Lesser Known Facts About Sanjay Pugalia

• Sanjay Pugalia, a veteran political and business journalist, is the Chief Executive Officer and Editor-in-Chief of AMG Media Networks, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adani Enterprises.

• Sanjay Pugalia grew up in a joint family of businessmen in Sahibganj, Bihar (now in Jharkhand). ^[2]The Quint

• In an interview, Sanjay Pugalia disclosed that during the 80s, he was influenced by a student movement after which he got his hands on ‘Ravivaar,’ a weekly magazine edited by the late S. P. Singh. According to Pugalia, that magazine had a great influence on him, and he realised that he wanted to become a journalist. While recalling those moments of his life, Sanjay Pugalia, in the interview, said,
  

  the 80s were a period when the media became extra-conscious and vigilant about demovcracy, due to emergency declared by the then prime minister. As as teenager, I was influnenced by the student movement and once happened to catch hold of a weekly called Ravivaar edited by the late SP Singh. That magazine influenced me a lot and I knew from then on that journalism would be my calling in life.” ^[3]Indian Television

• Sanjay Pugalia’s parents, however, were against his decision of becoming a journalist. In 1982, Sanjay, after learning about his parents’ decision, left his house and went to Mumbai, where he joined the “Navbharat Times” at a salary of Rs 2000. ^[4]Indian Television

• Sanjay, after giving his 10 years to the Navbharat Times, moved to Delhi. Later, Sanjay worked with “Business Standard” for three years. ^[5]Indian Television

• After working with Business Standard, Sanjay met an opportunity to join “Aaj Tak” as the Deputy Executive Producer. ^[6]Indian Television

• According to sources, Sanjay has also worked with Australia’s Nine Network’s Indian JV (2000-01) as the President and head of strategic planning and film business. ^[7]Financial Express

• In 2001, Sanjay Pugalia was appointed as the Editor of “Zee News.” This was Sanjay’s first break as an Editor. ^[8]Indian Television In an interview, Sanjay shared his experience of working with Zee News. Sanjay Pugalia called it the most enriching experience. Sanjay Pugalia said,
  

  this was an oppportunity to establish live television in the country with events like the Agra summit and Gujarat riots. Working under Subhashji was the most enriching experience. He would interact, give his ideas but never would say do this or that. We had the complete editorial freedom there.When the next challenge came in to launch Star News from Mumbai, I was all set for it. On a personal level, I was itching to get back to Mumbai.” ^[9]Indian Television

• On 29 November 2022, Sanjay Pugalia, Sudipta Bhattacharya, and Senthil Chengalvarayan were appointed as the directors of New Delhi Television Ltd’s (NDTV) promoter group company RRPR Holding Private Limited after Radhika Roy and Prannoy Roy‘s resignation as the directors of the company.

• In an interview with a media outlet, Sanjay Pugalia mentioned that being concerned about his colleagues and their training, he would hardly take any leave, ensuring his availability for his colleagues. Sanjay said,
  

  I hardly take any leave and believe in constantly training my colleagues. News is a people intensive job and fortunately I am a people’s person. I believe in delegating and developing the second, third and even for that matter the low level executives, so the process and the system is strong. I believe, either you’re a journalist or you’re not. Or everyone who passes out of a journalism school cannot make it as a good journalist.” ^[10]Indian Television

• According to Sanjay Pugalia, he was never attracted by money and brands. He added that he did not like to spend his leisure time with people having a “Page 3” personality. While talking about this in an interview, Sanjay Pugalia said,
  

  I hate Page 3 parties or for that matter having lunch/dinner with the powerful le cr? me de la cr? me is not my trip. Also, money has never been a motivating factor in my life. I’m not really brand conscious.” ^[11]Indian Television

• According to Sanjay, he prefers spending weekends with his wife, Sangeeta, by either going to a movie or having dinner somewhere quiet. ^[12]Indian Television

• Sanjay Pugalia likes spending time at Sea Lounge in South Mumbai. ^[13]Indian Television

• Reportedly, Sanjay Pugalia loves travelling. In an interview, he talked about this and mentioned that everyone who likes travelling must visit Las Vegas in their lives. ^[14]Indian Television