What was your first job as a journalist?
My first job as a journalist was with The Kashmiriyat back in 2021, where I worked remotely as a trainee reporter. It was my entry point into the field—I wrote small news pieces, did interviews, and got hands-on with reporting basics. Even though it was a modest start, it taught me how a newsroom functions and gave me the confidence to take journalism seriously as a career
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No, but I have seen an uncle using a typewriter.
How is social media changing news?
Social media has completely changed the way news works. On one hand, it has made information faster and more accessible—stories break on X (Twitter), Instagram, or WhatsApp before they hit mainstream outlets. It also gives journalists a direct way to reach audiences without gatekeepers. But on the other hand, it has blurred the line between verified news and rumours, making misinformation a big challenge. For me, it’s both a tool and a test—you can’t ignore it, but you also can’t trust it blindly.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
In India, my favorite fictional journalist would be Vidya Bagchi from the film Kahaani. Even though she wasn’t a journalist in the literal sense, her character’s investigative spirit, persistence, and courage reflected exactly what I admire in journalism—digging for truth against all odds. Among proper fictional reporters, I also enjoyed the character of journalist Meera Gaity in No One Killed Jessica, who was bold, relentless, and driven by justice.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
For me, being a journalist means carrying responsibility more than a title. It’s about giving voice to those who are unheard, questioning what’s taken for granted, and holding power accountable. It’s not just writing stories—it’s listening, observing, and sometimes standing in uncomfortable spaces so the truth can come out. At the same time, it has taught me humility, because no matter how much I write, the story is always bigger than me.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
One of the most amusing recent news-related hashtags from India comes from the aftermath of a bizarre motorcycle crash in Jaipur, which social media users dubbed the “romantic spinning crash”—and yes, that gave birth to some hilariously creative tags. One trending twist was people using or tongue-in-cheek spins like , imagining the collision as a dramatic, cinematic turn straight out of a film. The mix of humor, drama, and absurdity made the hashtag a favorite among netizens.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer pitches that are clear, concise, and straight to the point. A few lines explaining the story idea, why it matters, and what makes it fresh are enough. I also value when someone has done a bit of homework—showing the angle hasn’t been overdone and suggesting possible voices or data to back it up. Long, vague pitches usually get lost, but a sharp, well-thought-out idea instantly catches my attention.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
“I use tools like Google Docs, Excel, and Notion for writing and research; Otter.ai or transcriptions; and Canva/Flourish for visuals.
What's your favorite social network?
My favorite social networks are X (Twitter) and Instagram. X keeps me connected to breaking news, debates, and diverse viewpoints—it’s like a live newsroom. Instagram, on the other hand, gives me space for visuals, culture, and storytelling in a more creative way, while also letting me connect with younger audiences.
Who do you wish followed you?
“I’d love to be followed by Kashmiri journalists who’ve built a global presence, like Showkat Nanda or Muzamil Jaleel. Their work inspires me because they’ve shown how stories from Kashmir can travel far and still stay rooted in truth. Having them follow me would feel like recognition from people whose paths I deeply admire.”
Why did you become a journalist?
Honestly, I became a journalist by accident. I had aimed to be a computer science engineer, but life had other plans. Journalism wasn’t my choice in the beginning, but once I entered the field, I started to love it. Over time, it taught me a powerful lesson—that living for others and speaking up for their rights gives real meaning to my work and life.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, I have contributed to the magazines of the media department in college and at university. also some multimedia stories.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
The story I’m most proud of is the one I did on mob justice in Jammu for Kashmir Times. It wasn’t an easy piece to work on, because it dealt with sensitive ground—how public humiliation and vigilante acts are becoming normalized. What made me proud was that the story went beyond reporting an incident; it connected those events to bigger legal and social questions, and it gave voice to people who often remain silent out of fear. For me, that’s what journalism should do—open uncomfortable conversations that society tends to ignore.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
“My advice to aspiring journalists would be to stay curious but also grounded in reality. It’s easy to be fascinated by the glamour people associate with journalism, but the truth is—most of the work is tough, often underpaid, and demands persistence. What keeps you going is not the paycheck but the purpose. So, don’t chase quick recognition; instead, focus on telling stories that matter, even if they’re small or overlooked. Learn to listen more than you speak, question everything, and accept that not every story will be perfect or appreciated. And most importantly, take care of yourself—mentally and physically—because this field can be draining. If you’re in it for the right reasons, journalism becomes less of a job and more of a responsibility.”
When's the best time to pitch you?
The best time to pitch me is in the morning, between 9 am and 1 pm.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The best pitch I ever got was the one that led me to report on mob justice in Jammu, which I later did for Kashmir Times. I liked it because it wasn’t just about an isolated incident—it opened up a bigger conversation about how public humiliation and vigilante-style justice were becoming normalized. The pitch was strong because it connected individual cases to wider social and legal issues, making it both timely and meaningful. That balance of human impact and structural relevance is what made it stand out for me.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Aah, there are many. I wouldn't say pitches were the worst, but I think I was not experienced enough that I could make them worthwhile.
What's your favorite drink?
Water and mango shake help me to be calm.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
When I’m not at a computer, I’m usually out in the field talking to people, listening to their stories, or just observing daily life—it’s where most of my ideas come from. And if it’s not work-related, you’ll probably find me on a cricket ground or spending time with friends and family.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
“Apart from my own work, I enjoy reading long-form and investigative pieces in publications like The Caravan and Al Jazeera. I also follow The Wire and Scroll for in-depth coverage of India, and The Guardian for its global perspective. Each of these offers different tones and approaches, which helps me stay balanced and inspired in my own reporting.”
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
The most common misperception about my beat is that stories from Kashmir are only about conflict and politics. While those issues exist, the region is so much more—it’s about culture, economy, daily struggles, resilience, and change. Many people overlook the human side, the small shifts in society, and the stories of ordinary lives that matter just as much as the big headlines.
