Vineet Malhotra was born in London, raised in USA, Russia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and India. He gained an MBA from the University of Southern California, U.S.A and is now a news anchor and journalist. He has worked with all the major networks in India and has hosted some of the major marquee events including 4 elections, 3 world cups and over 5000 shows over the last 16 years.
His father was an Indian Foreign Service officer and that allowed him to travel all over the world and assimilate various cultures and languages. Vineet has been in India since 2001 and it’s been a roller coaster ride ever since he entered the media. He is a big movie buff and he plays the piano and has also composed music. He had produced an album and has won over 20 international awards for his renditions. The highlight of his passion for music was composing for a movie that got selected at over 15 international awards including the Cannes Film Festival.
1) Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
I call New Delhi my home and there is no place like it. From its cultural legacy to its food, Delhi is replete with memories from childhood and the fact that there is no better place than the capital if you are a journalist. And that all my friends live here is also helpful.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
There are many but all of them would not mean anything had I not kept a balanced approach to all the upheaval that comes along with the profession. There is a lot to be disappointed about but if you train your mind to be positive and hopeful and continuously manage to implement it, that to me is a great achievement.
3) What inspires you?
My Father. He was self-made and turned his impediments into steppingstones. My father taught me the value of hard work and sacrifice and the value of being humble about it. He is not here today but his influence on me is as palpable as the sun.
4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
My biggest obstacle in my career was my own mind. Your mind has to be trained to look on the brighter side of life and there was a time I wasn't doing so. I took failure way too seriously and that can be an obstacle. If you master your mind, you master your destiny.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
As a journalist, you look up to the ones who are intrepid and have made it big. But if you consider journalism as just another competitive profession, then I would say people such as Bill Maher, Robert De Niro (for his raw professionalism as an actor), Don Lemon have all influenced me. They are good at what they do, and I strive for the same.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
The best aspect is that I get to be a part of a machinery that gets to convey the truth and not distort it. I also get to be part of a profession that is in the business of 'enlightenment'. It may sound cliched but it's a thought that lingers above a journalist's mind after all the dazzle and glitter has worn off.
7) And the worst?
The worst aspect is that no one is as misunderstood as we are. One slip up and the knives are out. People forget that journalists and people who shape public opinion are part of a larger dialogue. Sometimes we can screw up and to err is human. We are not impeccable.
8) What are your long-term goals?
I am hopeful that one day soon I will be able to have a platform of my own where I will be able to outlay the news trends and work with the state for better systems and policies. The idea is to take this experience and build something that transcends the current status quo.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
If I were the PM, I would bring the country together. No nation can prosper with rampant disparities socially and economically. As the PM I would like to create an 'even keel' for all. If there is equality there will be prosperity. It is as simple as that.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
I would want to spend this time with Mahatma Gandhi. He was not only one of the greatest thinkers but also one of the most mysterious people from history. He was an ocean of knowledge and illumination. Just a few hours with him could be equal to reading thousands of books over a lifetime. I also feel that his point of view is most relevant today.
