📖 Overview
Shekhar Gupta is an Indian journalist, author and media figure who has served as the editor-in-chief of the Indian Express newspaper from 1995-2015. He founded and leads ThePrint, a digital news platform, and hosts the widely-followed video series "Cut the Clutter" and "National Interest."
Throughout his career spanning over four decades, Gupta has covered major events in South Asian politics, military affairs and conflict zones. His investigative reporting on the Indian military operation in Sri Lanka and coverage of various defense scandals earned him the Padma Bhushan civilian honor in 2009.
Gupta's book "Anticipating India: The Best of National Interest" compiles his significant columns and political analysis from his tenure at the Indian Express. His weekly column "National Interest" continues to provide commentary on Indian politics, policy and national security matters.
His journalistic work includes prominent interviews with every Indian Prime Minister since Rajiv Gandhi, as well as extensive coverage of conflicts in Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan. He has served as president of the Editors Guild of India and currently holds positions on several media and policy institutions.
👀 Reviews
Readers value Gupta's detailed knowledge of Indian politics and defense matters, based on reviews across platforms. His columns and "Cut the Clutter" videos receive attention for breaking down complex political issues.
Likes:
- Clear explanations of complicated policy topics
- Inside perspective on Indian military operations
- Balanced coverage of sensitive political matters
- Detailed historical context in analysis
Dislikes:
- Some readers find his style too verbose
- Critics note occasional repetition in arguments
- Several reviews mention his tendency to meander before reaching key points
On Goodreads, "Anticipating India" maintains a 4.1/5 rating from 200+ reviews. Amazon India shows 4.3/5 from 150+ verified purchases. A reader on Amazon notes: "Offers unique insights into watershed moments of Indian politics." Another writes: "Could be more concise but analysis is solid."
ThePrint's YouTube channel, featuring Gupta's video content, has 2.8M subscribers with average video ratings of 4.5/5, though comments indicate divided views on his political positions.
📚 Books by Shekhar Gupta
Anticipating India (2014)
A collection of analytical essays examining major political and social shifts in India between 1991-2014, covering economic reforms, changing caste dynamics, and evolving military strategy.
India Positive (2019) Compilation of columns from The Print and Indian Express addressing India's governance challenges, institutional frameworks, and socio-political transformations across different sectors.
Walk the Talk: Decoding Politicians (2017) Transcripts and analysis from the author's NDTV interviews with Indian political figures, focusing on key policy decisions and political developments from 2004-2014.
ASEAN's Kingdom of Wonder (2012) Documentation of Cambodia's post-conflict reconstruction and development through the lens of its integration with ASEAN nations.
India Positive (2019) Compilation of columns from The Print and Indian Express addressing India's governance challenges, institutional frameworks, and socio-political transformations across different sectors.
Walk the Talk: Decoding Politicians (2017) Transcripts and analysis from the author's NDTV interviews with Indian political figures, focusing on key policy decisions and political developments from 2004-2014.
ASEAN's Kingdom of Wonder (2012) Documentation of Cambodia's post-conflict reconstruction and development through the lens of its integration with ASEAN nations.
👥 Similar authors
Barkha Dutt covers Indian politics and society through personal narratives and on-the-ground reporting. She shares Gupta's focus on contemporary Indian issues and military affairs, with numerous books drawing from her journalism background.
Kuldip Nayar wrote extensively about India-Pakistan relations and the politics of post-independence India. His work as an editor and political commentator parallels Gupta's analytical approach to South Asian geopolitics.
Rajdeep Sardesai examines Indian democracy and electoral politics through first-hand accounts and insider perspectives. His coverage of political movements and social change in India follows similar themes as Gupta's work.
Tavleen Singh focuses on Indian politics, governance, and social issues through columns and books based on field reporting. She writes from a position of direct access to power centers while maintaining critical analysis of political leadership.
M.J. Akbar analyzes Indian political history and contemporary affairs with emphasis on religious dynamics and national identity. His work combines historical research with political commentary in a style that often intersects with Gupta's approach.
Kuldip Nayar wrote extensively about India-Pakistan relations and the politics of post-independence India. His work as an editor and political commentator parallels Gupta's analytical approach to South Asian geopolitics.
Rajdeep Sardesai examines Indian democracy and electoral politics through first-hand accounts and insider perspectives. His coverage of political movements and social change in India follows similar themes as Gupta's work.
Tavleen Singh focuses on Indian politics, governance, and social issues through columns and books based on field reporting. She writes from a position of direct access to power centers while maintaining critical analysis of political leadership.
M.J. Akbar analyzes Indian political history and contemporary affairs with emphasis on religious dynamics and national identity. His work combines historical research with political commentary in a style that often intersects with Gupta's approach.