The Hook (Intro)- Saurabh Dwivedi
Hindi digital journalism का एक युग खत्म हो गया। Saurabh Dwivedi, जिन्होंने The Lallantop को India के सबसे popular digital news platforms में से एक बनाया, ने January 5, 2026 को India Today Group से resign कर दिया। जो shocking है – resignation उनके last show के सिर्फ 2 दिन बाद आया जिसमें उन्होंने BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh government और BCCI पर तीखा हमला बोला था।
Quick Highlights
- 12 साल का सफर खत्म: Saurabh Dwivedi ने India Today Group छोड़ा (2014-2026)
- Lallantop founder editor: 35 million YouTube subscribers वाले platform को build किया
- Last show controversial: January 2, 2026 को Indore water crisis पर BJP को घेरा
- Kuldeep Mishra new editor: पूरी editorial team की जिम्मेदारी संभालेंगे
- Rajat Sain leads production: Founding team member को नई भूमिका
Saurabh Dwivedi कौन हैं? – Journey from Village to Digital Icon
Born: April 22, 1983
Birthplace: Chamari village, Jalaun district, Uttar Pradesh
Educational Background
| Level | Institution | Specialization |
|---|---|---|
| Schooling | Saraswati Shishu Vihar, Orai | Early education |
| Secondary | Boarding school, Kanpur | High school |
| Graduation | DVC College, Orai | Hindi, English, Political Science |
| Masters | Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | Hindi Literature |
| MPhil | JNU, Delhi | Focus on 1857 Uprising |
| Mass Communication | Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) | Journalism |
Family Pressure: Parents और समाज चाहते थे कि वो engineering करें, लेकिन Saurabh का दिल storytelling में था।
Table of Contents
Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Early 2000s | Started journalism career | Reporter at Navbharat Times |
| Mid 2000s | Moved to Dainik Bhaskar | News Editor |
| 2014 | Joined India Today Group | Features Editor at aajtak.in |
| 2014-15 | Co-founded The Lallantop | Founding Editor (with Kamlesh Singh) |
| 2015-2026 | Built Lallantop empire | Editor, India Today Hindi + Lallantop |
| January 5, 2026 | Resignation announced | Exits after 12 years |
The Lallantop Success Story – कैसे बना 35 Million का Empire?
According to internal communications, Lallantop ने Hindi digital journalism को completely redefine किया।
Lallantop by Numbers (January 2026)
| Metric | Figure | Context |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube Subscribers | 35 million | One of India’s largest Hindi channels |
| Monthly Views (Dec 2025) | 250+ million | Consistent growth |
| Target Audience | Youth (18-35 years) | India’s heartland focus |
| Content Style | Conversational Hindi | Breaking traditional news format |
| Flagship Shows | The LT Show, Netanagari | Hosted by Saurabh & team |
What Made Lallantop Different?
1. Conversational Journalism:
- Traditional news channels: Formal, distant tone
- Lallantop: “Dost se baat” style – friendly, relatable
2. Celebrity Interviews:
- Yo Yo Honey Singh ने Badshah feud पर खुलकर बात की
- Politicians like Yogi Adityanath, Akhilesh Yadav ने youth से directly connect किया
- Javed Akhtar vs Shamail Nadwi God debate (December 2025)
3. Political Coverage:
- No-nonsense analysis
- Tough questions to politicians
- Grassroots reporting from UP, Bihar, MP
4. Youth Connect:
- Memes, pop culture references
- Social media-first approach
- Hinglish captions, viral-worthy content
The Controversial Last Show – क्या कहा था Saurabh ने?
Date: January 2, 2026
Episode: The Lallantop Show #1917
Link: Watch here
Topic 1: Indore Contaminated Water Crisis
According to TheCSRUniverse report, Saurabh ने sharply criticized the BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government।
What Happened in Indore?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bhagirathpura, Indore, Madhya Pradesh |
| Deaths | 15 residents (official count: 4-9) |
| Cause | Sewage leaked into drinking water supply |
| Warning Period | 18 months of complaints ignored |
| First Complaints | October 2024 – residents reported foul smell |
| Government Action | Nothing until deaths mounted |
| High Court | Intervened after crisis escalated |
| Municipal Commissioner | Removed after deaths |
Saurabh’s Key Points:
- 18 महीने से warnings थीं, government ने ignore किया
- BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya सहित officials को accountability के घेरे में लाया
- Death toll में discrepancy – official vs ground reality
- Transparency की कमी – why was public kept in dark?
Topic 2: BCCI-Shah Rukh Khan-Mustafizur Rahman Controversy
Background:
- Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladeshi cricketer) को KKR ने IPL 2026 auction में खरीदा
- India-Bangladesh tensions (Hindu targeting in Bangladesh)
- BCCI ने KKR को Mustafizur release करने का instruction दिया
- Social media पर Shah Rukh Khan (KKR owner, Muslim) को target किया गया
Saurabh’s Bold Question:
“Why is Shah Rukh Khan being blamed when BCCI top officials gave the order? Is it because of his faith?”
यह implication था कि SRK को selectively target किया जा रहा है while BCCI officials escaped scrutiny।
Resignation की Timing – Coincidence या Consequence?
Timeline Analysis:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 2, 2026 | Last show aired – BJP + BCCI criticism |
| January 3-4, 2026 | Social media buzz, political backlash |
| January 5, 2026 | Resignation announced |
Two Theories
Theory 1: Planned Exit (Official Version)
- Kalli Purie’s statement: “We have discussed his desire to apply his creative energies to other media that are currently outside the India Today Group portfolio.”
- NewsDrum sources: “Exit has been in the works for months, linked to widening gap between personal ambitions and group’s culture.”
- Amicable parting, no controversy
Theory 2: Pressure/Fallout (Social Media Speculation)
- Last show की timing बेहद suspicious
- BJP govt criticism के 48 घंटे बाद resignation
- No direct confirmation, लेकिन eyebrows raised
- Lallantop’s independent voice का pressure?
Note: कोई official link नहीं है last show और resignation के बीच। India Today Group ने content friction का कोई mention नहीं किया।
Kalli Purie’s Statement – “We Discussed His Creative Energies”
India Today Vice Chairperson Kalli Purie ने emotional note share किया:
“I am immensely proud of Saurabh and the body of work he has created. Over time, we have discussed his desire to apply his creative energies to other media that are currently outside the India Today Group portfolio.”
Key Takeaways:
- Respectful, supportive tone
- “Creative energies” hint करता है new ventures
- “Outside portfolio” = possibly independent platform, OTT, podcasts?
- No mention of any friction or disagreement
Saurabh का Poetic Farewell – Nasir Kazmi की Shaayari
Saurabh ने apne X (Twitter) post में Urdu poet Nasir Kazmi की ghazal quote की:
Original Urdu:
यूँ ही आबाद रहेगी दुनिया
हम न होंगे कोई हमसा होगा
Translation:
“The world will thrive just like this
Even if we’re gone, someone like us will be there”
Full Message:
“Thank you, @TheLallantop
For the respect, recognition, and knowledge.
Preparing for a new journey after a brief pause
(From the pen of poet Nasir Kazmi)”
Tone Analysis:
- Graceful, philosophical exit
- No bitterness or anger
- “Brief pause” = contemplation before next move
- Poet reference shows his literary sensibilities (JNU Hindi literature background)
Who is Saurabh Dwivedi? – Personal Life
Family Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Wife | Gunjan Dwivedi (married 2010) |
| Marriage | Immediately after completing studies |
| Role | “Guiding force” and mentor in his life |
| Children | 2 kids – Daughter: Gaura, Son: Name not public |
| Privacy | Keeps personal life very private |
According to BollywoodShaadis, Gunjan “continues to mentor him” और एक stable support system रही हैं।
Humble Beginnings
- Village background: Chamari, Jalaun (rural UP)
- Forced toward engineering: Family/society pressure
- Chose journalism: Heart in storytelling
- Self-made success: No media family connections
- Age at resignation: 41 years old (born 1983)
Awards और Recognition
Recent Honors (2025)
| Award | Organization | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Journalism Award | Pallibani Mission | 2025 | New Delhi |
| Recognition for Journalism | Foundation of Indian-Americans (FIA) New England | February 2025 | United States |
Controversies in the Past – Social Media Gaffes
Saurabh का career completely smooth नहीं रहा।
2020 BJP Supporters Meme Controversy
According to Swarajya report, Saurabh ने January 2020 में एक offensive meme share किया था।
What Happened:
- Meme suggested BJP supporters should use condoms “so they go extinct”
- Used PM Modi’s signature “Mitron” phrase mockingly
- Heavy backlash on social media
- Tags to Amit Shah, JP Nadda
- Saurabh issued public apology और tweet delete किया
2024 Vikram Sampath Remark
Wikipedia notes: During India Today Conclave 2024, remarks about historian Vikram Sampath drew criticism।
- Dwivedi issued clarification and apology
- Exact details not widely reported
- Shows pattern of occasionally crossing lines, then apologizing
New Leadership at Lallantop – Kuldeep Mishra & Rajat Sain
Kuldeep Mishra – Editorial Head
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| New Role | Full charge of editorial operations |
| Current Shows | Anchor of The LT Show, Netanagari |
| Experience | Founding team member |
| Strengths | On-camera presence, political analysis |
| Public Recognition | Well-known face among Lallantop audience |
Rajat Sain – Production Head
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| New Role | Lead production team |
| Experience | Founding team member |
| Track Record | Guided Lallantop through multiple production transformations |
| Behind-the-scenes | Less public-facing but crucial to platform’s success |
“Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than witnessing a homegrown generational transition.”
Industry Reactions – Journalists का Response
Rajdeep Sardesai’s Emotional Tribute
Senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai tweeted:
“We will all miss you @saurabhtop and I will miss you even more. For me, Neta Nagri will always remain a special show. And @TheLallantop a real trend setter. Hopefully our paths will cross again. Good luck and god bless!”
Note: “Neta Nagri” was one of Lallantop’s flagship political shows।
Social Media Buzz
Theories circulating:
- Forced exit due to last show controversy
- Creative differences with India Today management
- Planning own venture (OTT platform, podcast network?)
- Political pressure from BJP (unverified)
- Better opportunities elsewhere
What’s Next for Saurabh? – Speculation और Possibilities
Saurabh’s Own Words
“एक अल्पविराम के बाद नई यात्रा की तैयारी”
(Preparing for a new journey after a brief pause)
“अल्पविराम” (comma) = Not a full stop (period), just a pause।
Possible Future Moves
| Option | Likelihood | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Digital Platform | High | Creative freedom, own editorial control |
| OTT/Streaming Show | High | Kalli Purie mentioned “media outside IT Group portfolio” |
| Podcast Network | Medium | Growing medium, good for long-form interviews |
| Book Writing | Medium | JNU academic background, storytelling skills |
| Join Another Media House | Low | “Independent streak” suggests solo venture |
| Political Role | Very Low | No indication of political ambitions |
Industry Watchers: According to BW Marketing World, “Audiences and industry watchers will be watching closely to see where Dwivedi’s next chapter unfolds.”
Lallantop’s Future – क्या बदलेगा?
Challenges Ahead
- Saurabh’s absence: वो brand का चेहरा थे, replace करना मुश्किल
- Viewer loyalty: Will audience stick with Kuldeep Mishra?
- Editorial independence: Will criticism of govt continue?
- Competition: Other Hindi digital platforms gaining ground
Strengths
- Strong team: Founding members still there
- Established audience: 35M subscribers won’t vanish overnight
- Content pipeline: Systems and processes in place
- India Today backing: Resources, infrastructure, network
Internal communication described it as: “Homegrown generational shift” – continuity, not disruption।
Impact on Hindi Digital Journalism
Saurabh’s Legacy
Before Lallantop:
- Hindi news = Aaj Tak, India TV (TV channels)
- Formal, anchors in suits, studio-bound
- One-way communication
After Lallantop:
- Conversational, youth-focused
- Social media integration
- Two-way engagement
- Memes, viral content alongside serious journalism
Other Platforms Inspired:
- Quint Hindi
- Dainik Bhaskar’s digital push
- ABP News digital transformation
Expert Analysis – Media Observers का Take
Anonymous Media Analyst:
“Saurabh built something rare – a credible yet popular Hindi news platform. Balancing those two is extremely difficult. His exit is a loss for India Today Group but possibly a gain for media plurality if he starts something independent.”
Digital Media Consultant:
“The timing of the resignation will always be debated. But ultimately, after 12 years and building a 35M subscriber base, he’s earned the right to pursue new opportunities. The real test is – what does he do next?”
Comparison: Lallantop vs Other Hindi Digital News
| Platform | Subscribers | Style | Political Stance | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Lallantop | 35M | Conversational | Independent, critical | Youth connect, celebrity interviews |
| Aaj Tak Digital | 65M+ | Traditional TV format | Mainstream | Legacy brand |
| India TV | 50M+ | Sensational | Pro-establishment | Breaking news focus |
| Quint Hindi | 5M | Progressive | Opposition-leaning | Investigations |
| ABP News | 40M+ | Traditional | Centrist | Regional focus |
Lallantop’s Unique Position: Neither too left, nor too right – called out both sides।
The Bigger Picture – Media Independence in India
Questions Raised
- Can independent voices survive in corporate media?
- Is government criticism becoming too risky?
- Will more journalists go independent?
- What’s the future of critical journalism in Hindi?
Trend: More senior journalists leaving traditional media:
- Ravish Kumar left NDTV (2022)
- Nidhi Razdan controversy (2021)
- Saurabh Dwivedi now (2026)
Common Thread: Creative freedom, editorial independence।
FAQ Section
Q1: Saurabh Dwivedi ने Lallantop क्यों छोड़ा?
Official reason: नए creative opportunities explore करने के लिए जो India Today Group के बाहर हैं; unofficial speculation: last show में BJP criticism के 2 दिन बाद timing suspicious है, लेकिन कोई confirmed link नहीं।
Q2: Lallantop का नया editor कौन है?
Kuldeep Mishra पूरी editorial team की responsibility लेंगे (The LT Show और Netanagari के current anchor), जबकि Rajat Sain production team lead करेंगे – दोनों founding members हैं।
Q3: Saurabh Dwivedi की उम्र और family details क्या हैं?
41 वर्ष (born April 22, 1983), wife Gunjan Dwivedi (married 2010), 2 बच्चे (daughter Gaura + son), Chamari village, Jalaun, UP से हैं और JNU से Hindi literature में masters किया।
Tags
Saurabh Dwivedi resignation, Lallantop editor quits, India Today Group exit, Hindi digital journalism, Kuldeep Mishra new editor, BJP criticism Indore water crisis, Saurabh Dwivedi last show, The Lallantop future, Saurabh Dwivedi next move, Hindi news platform 2026
Sources & References
- Saurabh Dwivedi Resigns From Lallantop – Siasat.com
- Saurabh Dwivedi Wikipedia Profile
- Kuldeep Mishra To Lead Editorial – Free Press Journal
- Saurabh Dwivedi’s Last Show Analysis – TheCSRUniverse
- Personal Life Details – BollywoodShaadis
- Exit Expected For Months – NewsDrum
- Leadership Transition – BW Marketing World
- Lallantop Numbers & Impact – Mabumbe
- Industry Reactions – Exchange4Media
- Editorial Leadership Change – Indian Television
- Saurabh Dwivedi’s Last Lallantop Show (YouTube)
- 2020 BJP Supporters Controversy – Swarajya
- Read More News Here
Disclaimer
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