When Suhasini Haidar was doing her Bachelor's in statistics from Delhi’s Lady Shri Ram College, she had no idea that she'd become
a journalist. A bit of "friendly" assistance to a documentary filmmaker in the final year of college got her career set on a different track altogether. During those film shoots, she realised electronic media suited her. The same year, she went to study for a Masters in journalism from Boston University, which landed her a job with CNN, New York.
Now working with CNN-IBN as a deputy foreign editor, she still reports on international and political news like any cub reporter. “One has to report and file stories even if you are at a senior position. Though I have grown in terms of designation in the last 15 years, but the nature of work is more or less still the same,” she says. Life is replete with excitement and surprises for her almost every day. At the same time, it's "dusty" owing to a lot of legwork involved in the profession. A new story every day and the adrenaline which flows keeps her going. There is no room for boredom. One day, it's the electoral churning and upheaval after the Lok Sabha elections and the next day it's the big story on LTTE’s Prabhakaran.
Regular updating and reading on different topics is a vital cornerstone in Suhasini's normal day. “It's very important to stay abreast of national and international issues both,” she says.
When she started her career in 1994, she sometimes used to miss stories. “One has to be at the right place at the right time. With so many news channels opening, one has to survive the fierce competition with agility,” she adds.
The profession is meant for extremely dynamic people who are mentally and physically tough. Haidar has exhibited these traits on several occasions – reporting on Kashmir militancy in July 2000, on 9/11 in 2001 and while covering the Lebanon firings in 2006. She broke her arm in Kashmir – but is undaunted. “One can get unsafe anywhere,” she reasons.
{{/usCountry}}The profession is meant for extremely dynamic people who are mentally and physically tough. Haidar has exhibited these traits on several occasions – reporting on Kashmir militancy in July 2000, on 9/11 in 2001 and while covering the Lebanon firings in 2006. She broke her arm in Kashmir – but is undaunted. “One can get unsafe anywhere,” she reasons.
{{/usCountry}}Having reported on Pakistan's political scene for long, she has been witness to several developments in our neighbouring country – from Benazir Bhutto's assassination to Musharraf's stepping down as the president. She also has preferences... Going out of Delhi to “dig out new and interesting stories.”
When Haidar was sent to Lebanon three years ago she was given just half-an-hour to make the necessary travel arrangement before boarding a strictly-for-males Indian Navy warship. Despite all these challenges, there is also some good “news” for female budding journalists. “Being a woman, the people I approach are not usually rude to me. Female journalists get easy access everywhere,” she declares.
A famous face on national television, Haidar says she has never been mobbed – strange, as she is quite the head turner.
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