Who will anchor Black & White on Aaj Tak after Sudhir Chaudhary’s exit?

New Delhi: The Indian television and digital news landscape is abuzz with speculation following Sudhir Chaudhary’s departure from Aaj Tak, where he anchored the popular primetime show Black & White. Chaudhary hosted his final episode on April 4, 2025, before transitioning to DD News. 

As viewers and industry insiders await an official announcement, the question looms large: who will replace him as the presenter of one of Aaj Tak’s flagship programs? A simple prompt to xAI’s generative platform, Grok, attempted to break down Aaj Tak’s strategy.

Chaudhary’s tenure on Black & White, which began in July 2022, redefined primetime news. The show quickly rose to prominence, dominating ratings and setting a benchmark for viewership in the Hindi-speaking belt. 

His exit, however, has sparked curiosity about the future direction of the program, especially as Aaj Tak teases a potential evolution with the addition of a striking "red" element to its branding, a move that has left audiences and analysts intrigued.

Aaj Tak’s recent promotional campaign hints at a shift, with the channel introducing a red accent to the monochromatic Black & White logo. 

Industry observers see this as more than a cosmetic change. “The red element could signal a bold new chapter—perhaps a fresh face, a revamped format, or both,” said a senior media analyst. 

“Aaj Tak has a history of innovation, and this could be their way of keeping the audience hooked while transitioning from Chaudhary’s larger-than-life presence,” the analyst added.

Speculation about potential successors is rife. 

Within Aaj Tak’s stable of seasoned anchors, names like Anjana Om Kashyap and Sweta Singh have surfaced as frontrunners. 

Kashyap, known for her sharp debating style, and Singh, celebrated for her poised delivery, both bring a wealth of experience that could seamlessly align with the show’s hard-hitting ethos. 

Aaj Tak on Friday announced a new weekly live debate-along show, Bahas Baazigar, with Anjana Om Kashyap. 

The channel is running promos announcing Khabardar at 8 PM with Sweta Singh and Dastak at 10 with Sayeed Ansari.

Yet, the channel might also look beyond its current roster, with whispers of an unexpected pick—possibly even a high-profile external journalist.

Adding to the intrigue is the legacy of Black & White itself. 

The show added India’s first AI anchor, Sana, in 2023. 

Could Aaj Tak lean further into technological innovation, pairing a new anchor with Sana to create a hybrid hosting model? The red dot might just be a clue to such a revolutionary approach, blending tradition with futuristic flair, Grok said.

The channel has consistently led viewership charts, and the next anchor will inherit not just a program but a platform with immense influence. “Whoever takes over will need to match Sudhir’s ability to connect with viewers while bringing their own stamp,” Grok said giving credit to some television industry veteran. “It’s a tall order, but Aaj Tak thrives on bold moves.”

“As the clock ticks toward a potential reveal—rumored for as early as April 7—the anticipation builds. Will the red dot herald a new voice, a reimagined format, or a complete reinvention of Black & White? For now, Aaj Tak remains tight-lipped, leaving its 100 million viewers on the edge of their seats. One thing is certain: in the fast-evolving world of Indian news, the next chapter of Black & White promises to be anything but monochrome,” read Grok’s conclusion.