Saurabh Dwivedi, the founding editor of The Lallantop and India Today Hindi, has resigned after nearly 12 years with the India Today Group. This move marks the end of an era for one of Hindi media’s most influential digital platforms, which he helped build into a powerhouse with 35 million YouTube subscribers.
Dwivedi’s Emotional Farewell
Saurabh Dwivedi announced his resignation on X (formerly Twitter) on January 5, 2026, quoting Urdu poet Nasir Kazmi: “Yun hi aabaad rahegi duniya, ham na honge koi hamsa hoga” (The world will thrive just like this; even if we’re gone, someone like us will be there). He thanked Lallantop for providing identity, lessons, courage, respect, recognition, and knowledge, adding he plans a brief pause for introspection before embarking on a new journey. India Today Group Vice Chairperson Kalli Purie praised his body of work and noted ongoing discussions about him channeling creative energies into media outside the group’s portfolio.
His Transformative Legacy at Lallantop
Dwivedi joined aajtak.in as Features Editor and later spearheaded Lallantop, revolutionizing Hindi digital journalism with candid interviews, storytelling, and youth-focused content that resonated across India’s Hindi heartland. Under his leadership, the platform achieved over 250 million monthly views, blending hard-hitting reports on elections, health, and books with a “real, raw, and relatable” style. His final show critiqued issues like Madhya Pradesh’s water crisis, BCCI decisions involving Shah Rukh Khan’s KKR, and government responses to international events, underscoring his bold editorial voice.
Smooth Leadership Transition
Kuldeep Mishra, a founding member and anchor of shows like The LT Show and Netanagari, will assume full charge of Lallantop’s editorial operations. Rajat Sain, another founding team member who led production innovations, will head the production team. This “homegrown generational shift” ensures continuity for the platform’s growth.
Industry Reactions and Speculations
Senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai called Dwivedi a trendsetter, praising shows like Neta Nagri and expressing hopes their paths cross again. Media circles buzz with speculation: Will Dwivedi launch an independent platform, enter films/TV, or pursue entrepreneurial content ventures at age 41? His departure reflects trends of seasoned professionals seeking creative freedom amid evolving digital media landscapes.
What Lies Ahead for Hindi Journalism?
Dwivedi’s exit highlights the dynamic shifts in India’s digital news space, where platforms like Lallantop have democratized access to credible Hindi content. As Mishra and Sain steer the ship, audiences await Dwivedi’s next move, potentially bringing fresh innovations to Hindi media. This development underscores the need for adaptive leadership in a competitive ecosystem driven by youth engagement and viral storytelling.