Palki Sharma Upadhyay is a respected Indian journalist and news anchor known for her sharp global reporting and clear presentation style. She serves as the Managing Editor at Firstpost and hosts the prime-time international news show Vantage with Palki Sharma, launched in 2022. Before this, she led WION’s Gravitas for six years, earning national and international recognition, including the 2020 ENBA Award for Best International News Show.
Her journey from Doordarshan to becoming one of India’s strongest voices in global journalism reflects her dedication, experience, and eloquence in Hindi, English, and French.
Palki Sharma Upadhyay Wiki/Bio
| Full Name | Palki Sharma Upadhyay |
| Date of Birth | May 29, 1982 |
| Age | 44 Years |
| Profession | Journalist, News Anchor, Managing Editor |
| Hometown | Pilani, Rajasthan, India |
| Current Residence | Delhi, India |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Husband | Sanket Upadhyay (m. 2008) |
| Children | Manya Upadhyay (daughter), Son (name not disclosed) |
| Instagram ID | @palkisharma |
Physical Details
| Height | 5’7” (170 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 66 kg |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
Palki Sharma Upadhyay Early Life
Palki Sharma Upadhyay was born on May 29, 1982, in Pilani, Rajasthan, and later moved to Delhi with her family. Her father, a former Indian cricketer, and her mother, a well-known beautician, encouraged her curiosity and love for learning. Growing up in a culturally active household, she was exposed to books, discussions, and media from a young age. These experiences shaped her interest in storytelling and world affairs, eventually guiding her toward journalism.
Palki Sharma Upadhyay Education
Palki completed her schooling at Loreto Convent, Tara Hall, Shimla. She later earned a Master’s Degree in Communication and Journalism from the ICG Institute for Educational Research and Development. She also pursued French studies at Alliance Française de Delhi, holding a C1 certification. Her multilingual abilities help her connect with international stories and global audiences.
Palki Sharma Upadhyay Family Details
Palki shares a close bond with her sister Sanchita Upadhyay, with whom she often appears in interviews and social media posts. While details about her parents remain private, her father’s sports background and her mother’s professional work in Delhi influenced her disciplined personality.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Palki Sharma Upadhyay (@palkisharmaupadhyay)
She married journalist Sanket Upadhyay in 2008. Sanket, originally from Ayodhya, is the son of veteran BBC Hindi journalist Madhuker Upadhyay. A graduate of Delhi Public School and Delhi University, he began his career at Hindustan Times before moving to NDTV as a senior editor. The couple has two children: daughter Manya and a younger son. Despite busy media careers, they maintain a balanced family life in Delhi.
Palki Sharma Upadhyay Career
Palki started her career at Doordarshan in 2002 as a news anchor and writer, where she worked on regional and national current affairs programs. In 2004, she joined Hindustan Times as a staff writer, covering civic issues.
She later worked with iTV Network, moderating debates on politics and policy, and subsequently served as Managing Editor at CNN-News18.
Her major career breakthrough came in 2016, when she joined WION as Managing Editor. She created and hosted Gravitas, India’s first international news show, which became widely popular for simplified global analysis. The program won the 2020 ENBA Award for Best International News Show.
In September 2022, Palki moved to Firstpost, where she launched Vantage with Palki Sharma. The show quickly became one of India’s leading global news programs.
Outside journalism, Palki launched her saree brand Reyva in the 2020s, reflecting her interest in design and culture. She enjoys painting, reading, cooking, and home décor activities in her free time.
Career Milestones
| Milestone | Details |
| Doordarshan Debut | News anchor and writer (2002) |
| Hindustan Times | Staff writer on civic issues (2004) |
| iTV Network | Debate host (pre-2016) |
| CNN-News18 | Managing Editor (pre-2016) |
| WION Gravitas | Host and creator, ENBA winner (2016–2022) |
| Firstpost Vantage | Managing Editor (2022–present) |
| Reyva Sarees | Launched 2020s |
Palki Sharma Upadhyay Awards and Recognition
Palki has earned multiple honors in her career, including:
- Best News Reader Award (2007)
- ENBA Award for Best International News Show (2020) for Gravitas
Palki Sharma Upadhyay Controversies
Palki Sharma Upadhyay maintains a largely controversy-free public image. Her bold reporting style has occasionally drawn criticism, especially around geopolitical issues. Her 2022 shift from WION to Firstpost invited “poaching” discussions, but these were dismissed as normal career movement. Recent debates on X highlighted her factual reporting on Iran, with many supporting her approach.