
Chitra Tripathi Biography
Chitra Tripathi, born on 11 May 1986 in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, is a renowned Indian journalist and news anchor.
She completed her schooling at A.D. Government Girls Inter College, Gorakhpur, and later pursued a Master’s in Defence Studies from Deen Dayal Upadhyay University.
As an NCC cadet, she won a gold medal at the Republic Day Parade in Delhi before beginning her journalism journey at Doordarshan Kendra, Gorakhpur.
Over the years, she worked with major media houses, including Sahara India, India News, News 24, ETV Network, and Sahara Samay, before rising to prominence at ABP News with shows like 2019 Kaun Jeetega and Press Conference, also winning the Best Reporter Award for her Siachen coverage.
In February 2019, she joined Aaj Tak as Deputy Editor, anchoring Desh Tak, and later became Editor, Special Projects, a role she quit in October 2024 ahead of her return to ABP News.
On the personal front, Chitra married journalist Atul Aggarwal in 2008, and the couple had a son named Aum, but after 16 years of marriage, they divorced in March 2025, while continuing to co-parent their child.

Chitra Tripathi Wikipedia
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Chitra Tripathi |
Profession | Journalist, News Anchor, Editor |
Date of Birth | 11 May 1986 |
Age (as of 2025) | 39 years |
Birthplace | Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India |
Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
Nationality | Indian |
Religion | Hinduism |
Education | Post-graduate in Defence Studies |
Schooling | A private school in Gorakhpur |
College/University | Deendayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University |
Father’s Name | Name not publicly known |
Mother’s Name | Name not publicly known |
Siblings | Not much public information |
Marital Status | Married |
Husband | Atul Agarwal (Senior Journalist & Anchor) |
Children | 1 son (name not publicly revealed) |
Famous For | Hosting prime-time debates and ground reporting |
Current Workplace | Aaj Tak (Associate Editor & Senior Anchor) |
Previous Channels | Sahara India, India News, News 24, ETV, ABP News |
Awards | Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism (2015), ENBA Award (2020), NT Awards |
Controversies | Criticized for some debate shows and political coverage bias |
Height | 5’6” (168 cm) |
Weight | 60 kg (approx.) |
Eye Colour | Black |
Hair Colour | Black |
Hobbies | Reading, Traveling, Reporting |
Net Worth (2025) | ₹15–18 crores (≈ $1.8–2.2 million USD) |
Monthly Salary | Approx. ₹4-6 Lakhs |
Social Media Handles | Instagram: @chitraaum • Twitter (X): @chitraaum • Facebook: Chitra Tripathi |
Notable Work | Coverage of Kargil War stories, Indian Army stories, and Political Debates |
Trivia | Once filed an FIR against her husband, but later reconciled. • She was once awarded by the Indian Army for a Kargil story report. |

Chitra Tripathi Early Life, Family & Education
Chitra Tripathi was born on 11 May 1986 in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, into a middle-class Hindu family. She grew up in a supportive environment that encouraged discipline and education.
She completed her schooling at A.D. Government Girls Inter College, Gorakhpur, where she was also an active NCC cadet, winning a gold medal at the Republic Day Parade in Delhi.
This early achievement reflected her initial ambition to join the Indian Army.
However, her internship at Doordarshan Kendra in Gorakhpur sparked her passion for journalism.
For higher education, she pursued a Master’s degree in Defence Studies from Deen Dayal Upadhyay University, Gorakhpur, which gave her a strong foundation in national security, politics, and current affairs, skills that later shaped her career as a political anchor and journalist.
Chitra Tripathi Professional Trajectory
Chitra Tripathi’s journalism career began after her internship at Doordarshan Kendra, Gorakhpur, which inspired her to pursue reporting professionally.
She later moved to Delhi, where she joined Sahara India as a news anchor.
Over the years, she worked with several prominent media houses, including India News, News 24, ETV Network, and Sahara Samay, gaining recognition for her sharp reporting and anchoring skills.
Her breakthrough came at ABP News, where she hosted popular shows like 2019 Kaun Jeetega, Press Conference, Kaun Banega Mukhiyamantri, Modi Ke Char Saal, and Bihar Ki Rajneeti: Kaisi Ho.
Her impactful reporting on the Siachen conflict earned her the Best Reporter Award, solidifying her place among India’s leading journalists.
In February 2019, she resigned from ABP News and joined Aaj Tak as Deputy Editor and Anchor, where she hosted shows like Desh Tak and later served as Editor, Special Projects, handling high-profile political coverage.
After a successful stint of over five years, she resigned from Aaj Tak in October 2024, with reports confirming her return to ABP News to take up a prime-time anchoring role.
Her career trajectory showcases her as one of the most respected, influential, and highest-paid news anchors in India.
Chitra Tripathi Personal Life & Notable Moments
Chitra Tripathi married fellow journalist Atul Aggarwal in 2008, and together they have a son named Aum.
For many years, they were considered one of the strong media couples, balancing their professional and personal lives.
However, after 16 years of marriage, Chitra confirmed in March 2025 that they had decided to part ways and officially divorced.
Despite their separation, both agreed to amicably co-parent their son, ensuring his well-being remained their top priority.
Throughout her career, Chitra has also faced challenges and controversies. In 2022, her husband Atul’s name surfaced in a rumored OYO hotel robbery case, which was later dismissed as false, but the incident briefly drew media attention to her personal life.
Despite such hurdles, she has maintained a reputation for professionalism and dignity in the public eye.
Known for her strong on-screen presence, bold reporting style, and fearless coverage of political and defense-related issues, Chitra has become one of India’s most admired and trusted news anchors.
Chitra Tripathi Style & Influence
Chitra Tripathi is widely admired for her bold, clear, and fearless anchoring style, especially in political and defense journalism.
Her background in Defence Studies allows her to analyze national security and military issues with authority, which sets her apart from many of her peers.
Known for her balanced questioning and sharp debates, she can engage politicians, experts, and the public with confidence and clarity.
Her influence goes beyond television; she has become a symbol of women’s empowerment in Indian journalism, inspiring many young women to enter the field of media.
Chitra’s investigative reporting, especially her coverage from Siachen, demonstrated her willingness to go beyond the newsroom and bring real stories from challenging environments.
In terms of style, she maintains a professional yet approachable personality, combining firmness with empathy.
Over the years, she has earned a place among India’s most influential and highest-paid news anchors, often compared to the likes of Arnab Goswami, Rajdeep Sardesai, and Anjana Om Kashyap, yet carving out her own identity with credibility and integrity.
Chitra Tripathi Net Worth
According to IndianAnchors.In Chitra Tripathi’s net worth is estimated to be around ₹15–18 crores (≈ $1.8–2.2 million USD).
Chitra Tripathi Controversies
1. Tiff with Anjana Om Kashyap (2019): During her early days at Aaj Tak, media reports suggested a clash between Chitra Tripathi and senior anchor Anjana Om Kashyap over newsroom politics and popularity. However, the matter was never officially addressed and eventually faded.
2. Exit from ABP News (2019): In 2019, Chitra Tripathi left ABP News, where she had earned massive popularity, and joined Aaj Tak. Her sudden switch sparked controversies and speculations in media circles regarding internal disagreements and better offers from rival networks.
3. Newsroom Bias Allegations: Like many TV journalists, Chitra has faced accusations of political bias from both sides of the spectrum. Some viewers have accused her of favoring certain political parties during debates, while others argue she is one of the boldest voices against misinformation.
4. On-Air Debates: Her strong debating style and sharp questioning often put her in the spotlight. On several occasions, political panelists have walked out or clashed verbally with her during live shows, leading to trending controversies on social media.
Chitra Tripathi Awards & Achievements
2016 – Received the Ramnath Goenka Award for excellence in journalism.
2018 – Honored with the NT Award for outstanding contribution to news presentation.
2019 – Ranked among the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Media by Exchange4Media.
2021 – Awarded the IMWA Award for excellence in anchoring and reporting.
Recognized multiple times for her fearless ground reporting and unique storytelling style.
Known as one of the most trusted female news anchors in India, consistently praised for her credibility and influence in Hindi journalism.
Physical Stats & More
Chitra Tripathi’s physical stats reflect her elegant personality; she stands at a height of around 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) and weighs approximately 60 kg (132 lbs), maintaining a fit lifestyle.
She has black hair and dark brown eyes, which complement her graceful appearance as a news anchor.
Known for her confident on-screen presence, her style balances professionalism with approachability, making her a respected and admired figure in Indian television journalism.
Facts and Trivia About Chitra Tripathi
She started her career in journalism with ETV Network before moving to major channels like News 24, Sahara Samay, India News, ABP News, and Aaj Tak.
Chitra once filed an FIR against her husband, Atul Agarwal, in 2020, citing domestic violence, but later reconciled.
She gained wide popularity during her coverage of the 2019 Indian General Elections on Aaj Tak.
She belongs to a middle-class family from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, and has always aspired to become a journalist.
She has been part of several defense-related shows, showcasing stories of Indian soldiers, which brought her immense respect.
Chitra has also been featured in various media award functions, where she was praised for her fearless reporting style.
She is known for her signature calm yet impactful anchoring style, which differentiates her from many contemporaries.
Despite her fame, she stays connected to her roots in Gorakhpur and often talks about her humble beginnings.
Chitra Tripathi’s Social Media
Instagram: @chitraaum
Twitter (X): @chitraaum
Facebook: Chitra Tripathi
Chitra Tripathi Instagram
FAQs
1. Who is Chitra Tripathi?
Chitra Tripathi is an Indian journalist, news anchor, and deputy editor at Aaj Tak, known for her bold reporting and anchoring style.
2. When and where was Chitra Tripathi born?
She was born on 11 May 1986 in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
3. How old is Chitra Tripathi?
As of 2025, she is 39 years old.
4. Who is Chitra Tripathi’s husband?
She is married to Atul Agarwal, a senior journalist.
5. What is the educational qualification of Chitra Tripathi?
She completed her post-graduation in Defence Studies from Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University.
6. Which news channels has Chitra Tripathi worked with?
She has worked with ETV Network, Sahara Samay, India News, ABP News, and Aaj Tak.
7. What is Chitra Tripathi’s most famous show?
She gained immense recognition for anchoring Desh Tak and Aaj Tak Live on Aaj Tak.
8. Has Chitra Tripathi received any awards?
Yes, she has received several awards, including the Ramnath Goenka Award and the NT Award for excellence in journalism.
9. What is Chitra Tripathi’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around ₹15–18 crores (≈ $1.8–2.2 million USD), earned from journalism, anchoring, and brand endorsements.
10. Is Chitra Tripathi active on social media?
Yes, she is highly active on Instagram (@chitraaum), Twitter (@chitraaum), and Facebook (@chitratripathiofficial).
11. What are some lesser-known facts about Chitra Tripathi?
She once filed an FIR against her husband, Atul Agarwa, in a personal dispute (later resolved). Also, she is a trained NCC cadet and once thought about joining the Indian Army.
In Conclusion
Chitra Tripathi’s biography reflects the journey of a determined and passionate journalist who carved her name in the Indian media industry through hard work, dedication, and fearless reporting.
From her early beginnings in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, to becoming one of the most respected news anchors on Aaj Tak, her career stands as an inspiration for many aspiring journalists.
With her impeccable news presentation, coverage of political affairs, and recognition through prestigious awards, she continues to be admired for her balanced reporting and professional ethics. Beyond journalism, she is also known for her inspiring personal life, being a devoted wife and mother.
Chitra Tripathi’s story is not just about success in media but also about perseverance, credibility, and making a meaningful impact in Indian journalism.
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