Subharup Das Sharma
Verified
(He/Him)
As seen in:
The Telegraph (India),
Flipboard
Covers:
Sports, Music, Culture, Business
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
My first job as a journalist was as a trainee reporter at a local newspaper. It was a fast-paced introduction to the industry, where I covered everything from community events to local politics. I quickly learned the importance of tight deadlines, accuracy, and how to turn even the smallest story into something engaging for readers. That role taught me the fundamentals of journalism—how to ask the right questions, structure a story, and find compelling angles. Looking back, it was the perfect foundation for everything that followed in my career.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Actually, I’ve never used a typewriter. By the time I started my career, technology had already moved on to computers, and I’ve always relied on modern tools for my writing. However, I do appreciate the historical significance of typewriters and the craft involved in using them. It’s fascinating to think about how journalists of the past shaped stories with such a mechanical process.
How is social media changing news?
Social media is fundamentally reshaping the way news is consumed and shared. It has created a more immediate, direct connection between journalists and their audience, breaking down traditional barriers and enabling real-time updates. Stories now spread faster than ever, and viral moments can shift public discourse in a matter of hours.But with that speed comes a new set of challenges—namely, the pressure to be first rather than accurate, the spread of misinformation, and the challenge of maintaining journalistic integrity amidst the noise. Social media forces journalists to adapt quickly, but it also gives us powerful tools to engage directly with readers, crowdsource stories, and amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard. It’s a double-edged sword, but when used responsibly, it has the potential to enhance the way we tell stories.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
My favourite fictional journalist has to be Ben Bradlee from All the President's Men. His relentless pursuit of the truth, combined with his unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity, made him a towering figure in the field. Bradlee’s character exemplifies the kind of fearless, no-nonsense reporter we all aspire to be. Plus, his leadership and determination in the face of political pressures are a constant reminder of what it means to hold power to account. If every journalist had a little bit of Ben Bradlee’s drive, the world would be a better place.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To be a journalist is to be a storyteller, a truth-seeker, and often, a bridge between the world’s chaos and its clarity. It means asking the questions that others may not, chasing leads that seem impossible, and uncovering stories that matter—not just to the powerful but to the everyday person.It's about holding a mirror to society, celebrating its triumphs, scrutinising its failures, and amplifying the voices that often go unheard. It’s not just a job; it’s a responsibility to inform, educate, and sometimes provoke—because real change begins with a well-told story.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
One of the funniest news-related hashtags I’ve seen is
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer to be pitched via email, as it allows me to review the story at my own pace and decide if it fits our editorial direction. The key to a great pitch is a strong, clear subject line that immediately grabs attention, followed by a concise, compelling summary of the story. I appreciate when pitches are well-researched and tailored to our audience, with an emphasis on the human element and angles that go beyond the typical match report or stats. If you can present the story in a way that highlights why it matters now, and what makes it stand out, that’s the sweet spot.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
As a sports journalist, I rely on a mix of tools to ensure my work is sharp and timely. For writing and editing, I primarily use Google Docs and WordPress, both of which are essential for collaboration and quick updates. For researching, tools like MuckRack and Twitter provide real-time insights and help me stay on top of the latest developments in sports.For image management and creating visual content, I use Canva and Adobe Photoshop to ensure that the graphics match the story's tone. For team collaboration and deadline tracking, Slack and Trello are my go-to tools. And of course, I rely heavily on Google Analytics to measure engagement and audience reactions to stories.It’s a mix of creativity and tech that keeps the newsroom humming and allows me to deliver stories that resonate.
What's your favorite social network?
My favourite social network has to be Twitter. It’s where the pulse of global events beats in real-time, and as a journalist, it’s invaluable for breaking news, insights, and connecting with thought leaders. The mix of brevity and immediacy keeps me on my toes, and I love how it fosters real-time conversations—whether it’s about sports, politics, or the quirks of everyday life. It's like the world’s newsroom, 280 characters at a time.
Who do you wish followed you?
I’d love for more athletes and sports personalities to follow me. Not just for the engagement, but because I think there’s a lot of untold stories and untapped potential in how they interact with the media. Many of them have powerful personal narratives that go beyond their public personas, and I’d love to have deeper conversations with them about their journeys. It’s about building connections that foster real storytelling and opening up avenues for authentic, behind-the-scenes content that resonates with fans
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a journalist because I’ve always believed in the power of stories to shape the world. Growing up, I was captivated by how words could bring distant events to life, make sense of complex issues, and give voice to those who otherwise might not be heard.Journalism felt like the perfect way to combine my love for storytelling with a desire to make an impact. Whether it’s uncovering human narratives in sports or shedding light on societal issues, I’m driven by the idea that every story has the potential to inform, inspire, or ignite change. It’s that sense of purpose that keeps me passionate about what I do
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, I did work for my high school newspaper, and it was where I first discovered my passion for journalism. I started as a reporter, covering everything from sports events to school happenings. But as I gained experience, I took on the role of editor, helping shape the layout and ensuring our stories were engaging and well-crafted. It was my first real taste of what it means to meet deadlines, work as part of a team, and tell compelling stories—all of which have stuck with me throughout my career. Looking back, those were formative years that set the foundation for everything I do now.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
One of the stories I’m most proud of is my deep dive into the ICC Men's World Cup 2023. Beyond the boundaries and sixes, it was about capturing the human heartbeat of the game—unsung heroes, the feverish devotion of fans, and the ripple effects of cricket on communities across India. It was storytelling that went far beyond the scoreboard, and the response from readers made every late night worth it.Equally unforgettable was a photo gallery I curated on the Kolkata protests surrounding the RG Kar Hospital case. It wasn’t just about documenting a moment in time—it was about giving voice to a historic movement of football fans standing united for justice. Pairing visuals with raw narratives made this a powerful reminder of how sport transcends the pitch.Both stories reflect what I love most about journalism: uncovering the heart and humanity that fuel every headline.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
My advice to aspiring journalists is simple: stay curious and never stop learning. Journalism is a field where your ability to ask the right questions and dive deeper than the surface can set you apart. Read widely, from sports to politics to culture, and always be open to new perspectives.The best journalists are those who listen more than they speak, who connect the dots between different stories and who aren’t afraid to take risks. Also, don’t shy away from rejection or criticism—it’s part of the process. Embrace it, learn from it, and keep pushing yourself to improve. Above all, remember that journalism is about telling stories that matter—stories that give voice to people and ideas that deserve to be heard.
When's the best time to pitch you?
The best time to pitch me is typically during the morning hours, between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM IST, as that’s when I’m most focused on reviewing pitches and planning editorial content. I appreciate concise and well-researched pitches that align with the sports vertical or highlight compelling human-interest angles. Including any relevant statistics, exclusive insights, or unique perspectives can make your pitch stand out.While I prefer email for pitches, I’m open to follow-ups via other professional channels if needed. Just ensure your pitch aligns with the tone and audience of The Telegraph Online for the best chance of catching my attention.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The best pitch I ever got was one that blended sports with a compelling human-interest angle. It was about a former national athlete who had stepped away from the spotlight to open a training academy for underprivileged youth. What made it stand out was how the story connected the athlete's personal struggles and triumphs with their mission to give back to the community. It wasn’t just another profile of a former champion—it was about redemption, legacy, and using sport as a tool for social change. The pitch was concise, well-researched, and immediately grabbed my attention, and I knew it was a story I had to tell
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
The worst pitch I ever got was one that was entirely off the mark. It was a generic press release, poorly written and with no real angle—just a copy-paste job about a new sports product that barely had any connection to what we cover. The subject line was vague, and the body didn’t offer any newsworthy details or insights. It was clear the sender hadn’t done any research into our publication or our audience. What stood out most was the lack of effort to make the pitch relevant, which made it impossible to engage with. A pitch needs to be thoughtful, tailored, and have a clear story—this one had none of that.
What's your favorite drink?
My favourite drink has to be a strong cup of black coffee. It’s my go-to for those early mornings when I need a boost to jumpstart the day and late nights when I’m deep into editing or brainstorming story ideas. There’s something about the ritual of brewing it, the rich aroma, and the clarity it brings to my thinking that makes it essential to my workflow.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
When I’m not at my computer, you’ll most likely find me in front of a bookshelf, lost in the pages of a good book. Whether it’s a gripping sports biography, a piece of literary fiction, or a thought-provoking nonfiction title, reading fuels my creativity and keeps my storytelling sharp. Books are my sanctuary, offering a quiet escape and endless inspiration for the stories I tell.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Aside from my own, I’d say The New York Times is my favourite publication. Their sports section, in particular, strikes the perfect balance between analysis, human interest, and sharp storytelling. It’s not just about the scores; it’s about the stories that happen off the field—the narratives that shape athletes, the politics of sport, and the cultural shifts they reflect. I find their approach to long-form storytelling and investigative reporting deeply inspiring, and it often fuels my own work.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
The most common misperception about covering sports is that it's all about scores, stats, and match reports. While those are essential, sports journalism goes far beyond the field. It's about telling the human stories behind the athletes—their struggles, triumphs, and journeys. It's about exploring the cultural, political, and economic dimensions of sports, which often mirror society itself.Many assume it's a glamorous beat, filled with live games and press boxes, but the reality involves long hours, tight deadlines, and constant research to uncover stories that resonate. The heart of sports journalism is finding narratives that connect with people who may not even follow the game.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.