Sanjeev Srivastava, ex-BBC India Head, turns entrepreneur with new kachori outlet

Senior journalist Sanjeev Srivastava, who spent over four decades in journalism and previously served as BBC’s India Head, has ventured into entrepreneurship. He has opened a kachori shop named ‘Throwback Desi’ on Mangal Marg in Bapu Nagar, Jaipur.

In an interview with Samachar4Media, Srivastava explained that it took around six months to remodel the shop and complete all preparations. He admitted that the process came with several challenges, but things are gradually stabilising.

Srivastava, originally from Jaipur with family roots in Bikaner, said his love for kachoris inspired the business. He enjoys eating them but often avoided buying from the market due to concerns about quality. Occasionally, he would get them made by private cooks, but this was not a regular solution. Drawing inspiration from Bikaner’s rich culinary tradition, he decided to bring better-tasting kachoris to the public himself.

He added that initially, his family was unsure about the decision to start the shop. However, since the location is good and the investment manageable, the family gradually supported the venture.

Clarifying his motivations, Srivastava stressed that the move does not come from fatigue with journalism. “Journalism is in my blood and always will be,” he said. He also expressed surprise at the attention the decision has received and said the opportunity unfolded naturally rather than being planned.

During his distinguished career, Srivastava has worked with several prominent media organisations. He was selected for BBC in 1994 by then India Head Mark Tully and became the first non-British India Head, serving for nearly a decade. Over the years, he has interviewed many renowned figures, covered major national and international events, and produced documentaries on Kashmir and India’s Northeast.