News reporter Nandhini was born and raised in Chennai. Though she came to deeply understand the city later in life, her childhood—spent largely within protective spaces—meant she didn’t know much about several parts of Chennai. She pursued her postgraduate studies in Journalism and Mass Communication at SRM University. Despite her roots in Chennai, her early knowledge of the city was limited. As the only daughter in her family, growing up with two elder brothers, Nandhini was raised in a strict environment. Her family loved her dearly and prioritized her safety above all.
At work, she has built strong professional relationships. Her superiors trust her, and she is known for her commitment and reliability. Her journey is a testament to hard work, persistence, and transformation. What started as a hesitant step into journalism has now become her identity. Despite the odds, Nandhini has made her mark. Her story is not just about becoming a reporter; it’s about becoming bold, brave, and independent against all odds. She stands as an inspiration to many, especially young women who dream of a place in the media world.
Her speaking skills were noticed early on. Relatives, impressed by her articulate communication, suggested she pursue law. Following her family’s insistence, she took History and Computer Science in school and later tried to get into law. However, delays in the admission process led her family to suggest she not waste a year and instead enroll in Visual Communication (Viscom). She chose the course without much planning or clarity.
In the final year of her degree, a tragic event changed her life entirely—she lost her eldest brother. This moment transformed her perspective and goals. Soon after, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, prompting deeper introspection. Again, her family suggested she take up law, but this time, Nandhini hesitated. Inspired by her brave brother, she resolved to change herself. To confront her inner struggles, she chose journalism.
Her decision wasn’t supported by her family—except for her mother. Still, Nandhini took an educational loan and pursued journalism. The journey was far from easy. With no family background in media, she faced numerous challenges. But she never gave up. Eventually, she landed a job as a reporter at Raj TV.
The first few months at work were extremely tough. Balancing family expectations and learning on her own were major challenges. But Nandhini persevered. She took on every task her male colleagues did and gradually built her confidence and skill. Since joining Raj TV in 2022, she now has three years of experience and is currently a senior journalist—and the only woman journalist at the channel.
Her friends and relatives once assumed she would either marry or settle into a job immediately after graduation. But her achievements have surprised everyone.
Her life, once shaped by hardship, has now become a journey of triumph. Today, she covers stories all over Chennai with full preparation and commitment. In the beginning, she worked without pay. Later, through breaking news coverage, she gained experience and started earning.
Growing up under the strict watch of two brothers, she never went anywhere alone before starting work—her family always accompanied her. Initially, her parents were against her job due to the working hours and weather conditions. The stress of the job even caused health issues. Yet, she never let anything stop her.
Even today, she faces challenges, but Nandhini firmly believes that if someone truly desires something, they can achieve it. And once you’ve succeeded, no one can stop you. She is now moving toward her next phase. Before marriage, she wants to be completely independent and take on the responsibility of caring for her parents. She knows she must keep progressing to achieve that.
Nandhini also openly speaks about the challenges of being a woman journalist. Without a media background, it was hard for her to even get an internship. She once waited over an hour outside a media office. Early on, she faced health issues and even struggled with food, but endured it all for the sake of her career.
To supplement her income, Nandhini also works as a freelance model. Though her mother doesn’t fully support this, she has quietly become a strong pillar of support, keeping it a secret from her father. Her parents are strict—she must be home by 9 PM.
At work, she has built strong professional relationships. Her superiors trust her, and she is known for her commitment and reliability. Her journey is a testament to hard work, persistence, and transformation. What began as a hesitant step into journalism has now become her identity.
Despite the odds, Nandhini has made her mark. Her story is not just about becoming a reporter; it’s about becoming bold, brave, and independent in the face of adversity. She stands as an inspiration to many, especially young women who dream of making their mark in the media world.
She knows—this is just the beginning.
