Deepak Chaurasia, a seasoned journalist and well-known TV host, who allegedly appeared drunk on live TV and subsequently went off the air, has joined Zee News as a consulting editor and anchor.
Chaurasia served as the Consulting Editor of News Nation before joining Zee News.
The controversial exit from TV
In December 2021, a video of news anchor Deepak Chaurasia paying tribute to Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, who was killed in a tragic helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor, had gone viral on social media.
In the viral video, Chaurasia was seen speaking in a peculiar way, which made several Twitter users wonder if the news anchor was in an inebriated state while hosting the show. Also, in a slip of tongue, he referred to General Bipin Rawat as VP Singh and said "we lost a journalist" instead of "general". Later, he was abruptly taken off the air by the channel.
He had denied that he was in an inebriated state
The news anchor had later cleared the air on the viral video, saying it was side effect of painkillers.
In a long thread on Twitter, Chaurasia had said he has a hairline fracture in his knee, and he made a mistake of taking painkillers in excess quantity. "Instead of reducing my pain after taking painkillers, my pain increased," he wrote.
"Various things were being said after watching the video, which is not true. I have been in journalism for over 25 years. That's why I don't need to learn the ethics of journalism from anyone," the news anchor added.
Chaurasia to appear on Zee News now
ZMCL Chief Business Officer Abhay Ojha stated, "We have great confidence in the skills that Deepak brings to the table. We are eager to work together in the media industry and provide our audience with relevant information.
Speaking of his decision to join Zee News, Chaurasia noted that the company had been a pioneer in the media and was now leading the transition of the industry. "I'm thrilled to be a member of the company that helped to establish the industry. I'm excited to make a substantial contribution to the brand's expansion," he said.
Chaurasia has collaborated with some of the top media organisations during his remarkable career, which has spanned nearly three decades. Chaurasia worked nearly five years as Editor - National Affairs at ABP News before joining India News. He was connected to Aaj Tak prior to his employment with ABP in 2008. Additionally, he has worked for national broadcaster Doordarshan.
