Sahar Zaman is a highly accomplished Indian journalist, author, and cultural curator with a career spanning over two decades. Her diverse professional journey has made her a prominent and influential figure in Indian media and cultural discourse. Zaman’s work successfully bridges the gap between traditional journalism and the arts, a unique synthesis that has defined her multifaceted career.
Zaman began her journalism career in 2001, after earning her Master’s degree in mass communication from Jamia Millia Islamia University. Her early work at All India Radio showcased her talent to a global audience. Over the years, she has held significant roles at major news networks, including CNN India, Times Network, Bloomberg TV, and Reuters Asia. In these positions, she has served as a news editor, producer, and prime-time anchor, becoming a familiar face known for her focus on current affairs and arts.
As a political newscaster and senior editor, Zaman has championed critical national issues. She has spearheaded campaigns on topics such as women’s safety, child protection, and farmers’ rights, using her platform to foster important national conversations. Her journalistic excellence has earned her international recognition, including invitations to speak on the role of journalism in the Indian subcontinent and a place on Mind Mag’s list of top five Indian journalists “doing things differently.” She has also shared her insights as a TEDx speaker, inspiring others with her conviction and unique career path.
Beyond journalism, Zaman has made a significant impact as an author and cultural entrepreneur. Her literary debut, Talat Mahmood: The Definitive Biography, is a deeply personal and meticulously researched tribute to her grand-uncle, the legendary playback singer Talat Mahmood. This independently published biography has received widespread acclaim, winning multiple awards, including the AutHer Award for Popular Choice. The book’s success extends beyond the literary world, inspiring theatre plays and musical performances. As a regular columnist for publications like The Times of India, she continues to write about arts and politics, making cultural discourse accessible to a wider audience.
Zaman’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her ventures. She founded Hunar TV, Asia’s first web channel dedicated to arts, music, food, and travel. The platform’s mission is to make cultural content easily accessible to a niche audience, promoting artisans, performers, and artists. Her other creative endeavour, Chamak Patti, is a functional art brand where she transforms everyday objects into unique pieces using reflective, hand-cut stickers. This brand has gained global recognition, earning a spot among the top 100 globally recognised artworks in the international book AFG. Additionally, Zaman launched Jashn-e-Talat, a unique cultural platform that honours her grand-uncle’s legacy through multi-cultural performances by emerging and established artists.
Sahar Zaman is a trailblazer at the intersection of media, arts, and cultural preservation. She is credited with elevating contemporary art from a niche topic to a subject of daily mainstream news. Her documentaries, interviews, and artist profiles have showcased India’s growing influence in the international art scene. As a curator, she focuses on exhibitions that address socially relevant issues, having featured works by Modern Masters like Souza, Raza, and Tyeb Mehta. Her curatorial work has also been instrumental in exposing art frauds and promoting important discussions on intellectual property rights and artistic freedom.
Zaman’s work represents a unique synthesis of journalism, cultural curation, and entrepreneurship. Through her various ventures, she consistently advocates for arts accessibility while maintaining her journalistic integrity.