Meet Sadhna Shrivastav, a television anchor and documentary filmmaker with a 42-year career. A former anchor at Doordarshan Bharti, she produced films for UNESCO and is celebrated for her documentary on "Chhau" dance, which helped secure its recognition as an intangible cultural heritage. She earned a prestigious USIAS fellowship, worked at the Bombay Broadcasting Corporation, and has curated major cultural festivals. Sadhna’s life mantra, "Work is worship," reflects her dedication to both personal growth and professional excellence. Her career, from live telecasts to cultural advocacy, exemplifies passion and perseverance.

Sadhna Shrivastav is a television and stage anchor with an illustrious career spanning 42 years. A former anchor and consultant at Doordarshan Bharti (DD Bharti), Sadhna has also made her mark as a documentary filmmaker and a curator of cultural festivals. Her impressive journey in the media and cultural sectors is a testament to her passion and dedication.

Reflecting on her career, Shrivastav reveals that she never envisioned a future in television. She had her heart set on becoming an artist, but life had other plans. After completing her graduation, as advised by her teacher, who noted her photogenic face, she decided to explore the world of television. Initially indifferent to the field, it was her grandfather’s encouragement that led her to audition for Doordarshan. To her surprise, she was selected, marking the beginning of her remarkable journey.

As a producer at Doordarshan, Shrivastav ventured into documentary filmmaking. With assistance, she produced two films for the Cement Corporation of India (CCI). Later, when her daughter was born, she applied for a position in a North-East Current Affairs program at Doordarshan. Her skills and versatility saw her thrive in live telecasts for DD National, DD International, and DD-CNN. One of her notable achievements is her film on "Chhau" for UNESCO, which played a significant role in having Chhau dance recognised as part of India’s intangible cultural heritage.

Shrivastav’s achievements are not limited to television. She learnt German and became a trained language teacher. She also earned a prestigious USIAS fellowship and worked at the Bombay Broadcasting Corporation in the US. These accomplishments reflect her dedication to continuous learning and growth.

Sadhna Shrivastav shares that joining the television industry was a bold move for her family. Initially, both she and her mother were hesitant, but the offer of a good salary convinced them to take the leap. Her career took her around the world, offering enriching experiences through her travels.

Reflecting on her childhood, Sadhna describes it as a "fairytale." Born in Jaipur, she spent her early years in a village in Arunachal Pradesh, where her father was posted. She initially received education at home, but later, her father sent her to Allahabad to continue her education with her maternal grandparents. She attended St. Mary’s in Allahabad for three years before moving to Shillong when her father was posted there. Eventually, she completed her high schooling in Delhi and graduated from Miranda House, Delhi University.

When it comes to inspiration, Shrivastav names two broadcasters she admired—Melville de Mellow and Devki Nandan Pandey. She listened to their news broadcasts and closely observed their style, considering them her idols. However, she emphasises the importance of giving her best rather than imitating others, striving to carve her own unique path.

To find mental peace, Sadhna enjoys walking, meditating, and spending time in nature. Sitting amidst trees, listening to birdsong, and being accompanied by her dog offers her the calm she seeks. This connection with nature helps her centre herself and find tranquillity amidst the demands of life.

Shrivastav’s philosophy on life is both practical and profound. She believes in the importance of silence and staying grounded, urging others not to be swept away by life’s distractions. Her advice is clear: "You must be the centre of your universe. Let the world revolve around you; don’t lose yourself chasing it."

Sadhna's life mantra, "Work is worship," guides her in everything she does. For her, work is more than just a job—it's her passion, joy, and hobby. She believes that without meaningful work, a person loses direction and encourages others to pursue excellence with single-minded dedication.

When reflecting on her life, Sadhna doesn’t dwell on mistakes. Instead, she sees them as lessons that have helped her evolve into the person she is today. Her perspective on life is one of continuous learning and personal growth, a testament to her resilience and wisdom.

Through her multifaceted career, Sadhna Shrivastav exemplifies dedication, passion, and a deep connection to both her work and her inner peace. Her journey is an inspiration to those who seek to balance professional success with personal fulfilment.