Vikas Sharma was one of the most charismatic and influential faces on Indian television news. Known for his commanding presence, articulate delivery, and fearless journalism, he became a household name through his role as the prime-time anchor on Republic Bharat. His sudden demise in February 2021 left viewers and colleagues shocked, particularly because of how young and energetic he was. At the time of his passing, Vikas Sharma was just 36 years old, and he left behind a legacy that defied the relatively short span of his life.
This article delves into his early life, career trajectory, media persona, and clarifies the often-searched question around his age, backed by verified sources.
Early Life and Education
Vikas Sharma was born in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, a city that has produced many stalwarts in various professions. There has been some ambiguity surrounding his exact date of birth, with multiple credible sources listing either 25 February 1984 or 15 February 1985. Despite the discrepancy, both dates confirm that Sharma was 36 years old at the time of his death on 4 February 2021.
He completed his early education from Sacred Heart High Secondary School in Sitapur. Always showing an aptitude for communication and current affairs, Sharma went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) from Kanpur University. Driven by a passion for storytelling and journalism, he then earned a Master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication, Bhopal (2004–2006). His education laid the foundation for a stellar career in the media industry.
Career Beginnings
Vikas Sharma began his career in media in 2004 at All India Radio (AIR), where he worked as a radio announcer. His deep voice, clarity of speech, and ability to articulate thoughts clearly made him an instant favorite among listeners. The AIR stint allowed him to understand the nuances of news reporting and audio broadcasting, and it instilled a discipline that would serve him well throughout his career.
In the following years, Sharma transitioned to television, where he took up roles as an assistant producer and later as a full-time news anchor. He worked with numerous news channels including:
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S1 Corporation (Assistant Producer)
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TV 100 (Producer and Reporter)
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Total TV
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Sadhna News
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Janata TV
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India News
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Samachar Plus
At each of these organizations, Sharma steadily built his reputation as a credible and powerful voice in Hindi journalism. By the time he joined Republic Bharat in 2019, he was already a seasoned journalist with over 15 years of experience.
Rise at Republic Bharat
Vikas Sharma’s career peaked when he joined Republic Bharat, the Hindi-language arm of the Republic Media Network. The channel, founded by Arnab Goswami, aimed to revolutionize Hindi TV news through aggressive journalism and bold commentary. Sharma was a natural fit for this editorial style.
He anchored the 9 PM prime-time show titled “Yeh Bharat Ki Baat Hai”, which quickly became one of the network’s flagship programs. The show was known for addressing current affairs with a patriotic and no-nonsense tone, and Sharma’s confident anchoring style helped it gain a loyal viewership.
His style of delivery—sharp, direct, and emotionally resonant—made him one of the most recognized Hindi news anchors in the country. His on-screen presence often drew comparisons with Arnab Goswami himself, though Sharma maintained his unique identity.
Age and Untimely Death
Despite his robust public presence, Vikas Sharma maintained a relatively private personal life. When news of his death broke on 4 February 2021, social media was flooded with tributes, condolences, and expressions of disbelief.
At the time of his death, he was just 36 years old, and he was reportedly hospitalized due to complications related to COVID-19. He passed away at Kailash Hospital, Noida. According to reports, he had been recovering but suffered a sudden relapse. His premature passing stunned both his audience and the journalism fraternity.
The confusion surrounding his date of birth—either 25 February 1984 or 15 February 1985—has often led people to question his exact age. However, it is widely accepted that Vikas Sharma was 36 years old when he passed away.
Personal Life and Interests
Vikas Sharma was a devoted family man. He was married and had two children—a son and a daughter. He was also deeply spiritual and frequently visited religious sites across India. Friends and colleagues described him as humble, hardworking, and kind-hearted.
In interviews and social interactions, Sharma often spoke about the importance of ethics in journalism, a balanced worldview, and maintaining personal integrity. He was also an animal lover and doted on his pet dog, Coco.
Legacy in Indian Journalism
Although his life was cut short, Vikas Sharma made an indelible mark in the world of Hindi broadcast journalism. He was part of a new generation of anchors who understood the pulse of the common Indian and delivered news in a way that connected deeply with the audience.
His sharp insights, bold questions, and unflinching commitment to truth earned him respect from both viewers and colleagues. Arnab Goswami, in a tribute, described him as “a rising star whose contribution to Republic Bharat will never be forgotten.”
Social media platforms were flooded with hashtags like #RIPVikasSharma, #VikasSharmaJi, and #RepublicBharatAnchor, showcasing the public’s respect and admiration for him.
Conclusion
Vikas Sharma’s story is a poignant reminder of how impactful one person can be within a short time. At just 36 years of age, he achieved what many strive for over decades—a loyal viewership, professional respect, and a legacy that endures beyond death.
He will be remembered not just for his role at Republic Bharat, but also for his contribution to ethical journalism, his commanding voice, and the human warmth that lay behind the news desk. Though gone too soon, Vikas Sharma’s voice and values continue to echo in the corridors of Indian newsrooms and the hearts of millions of viewers.
