Tushar Srivastava: The journalist turned communications maestro & published author

Tushar Srivastava is a seasoned communications professional with over two decades of experience in the industry. Starting his career as a crime journalist then entering the communication field to now becoming a published author of ‘The Number You Are Calling is Switched Off, his journey has been truly a remarkable one. Today, we will uncover his transformative career journey of: 

• Transitioning from crime journalist to corporate communications professional, and now a published author
• Key lessons, challenges, and how, as a crime journalist, he covered everything from high-profile cases to the pulse of the city’s underbelly
• His journey as an author and his new book, The Number You Are Calling is Switched Off
• Some of his impactful campaigns, and much more.

What drew him to journalism and especially crime journalism?

Tushar shares that his passion for the field was ignited at a young age. Inspired by his father, a seasoned journalist, he grew up immersed in an environment brimming with the thrill of news and the art of storytelling—a calling that shaped his ambition to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Srivastava states, “I began my career early, working with a local newspaper while still in college. Right after graduation, I joined The Statesman. I started as a sports journalist and had the privilege of covering international cricket matches at Ferozeshah Kotla. One moment that stands out vividly was my first post-match interaction with Sachin Tendulkar. Standing there with my notebook, facing Sachin—it was nothing short of magical.

But my heart truly belonged to crime reporting. When an opportunity arose at The Asian Age, I couldn't resist, even if it meant stepping back to a trainee role. For the next nine years or so, crime reporting became my life. Later, I transitioned to covering national security, then foreign affairs at Hindustan Times. I was fortunate to accompany the Prime Minister on international trips, travelling with ministers, the NSA and senior officials—a surreal experience that few journalists ever witness. From there, I moved into the political bureau and then the business bureau, where I covered aviation.”

His compelling work as a crime journalist

He defines his crime reporting time as most thrilling of his journalism career, and explains, “One of the earliest stories that resonated worldwide was my exclusive on former President APJ Abdul Kalam being frisked at a U.S. airport—a revelation that sparked national outrage. A report I did on the wrongful arrest of a Kashmiri model by Delhi Police on terrorism charges led to his release.

Among the most chilling stories I broke was the first confession of Ajmal Kasab, the lone Pakistani terrorist captured during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. His insights brought the terrifying nature of the assault to light. The Nithari serial murders were another case that shook the nation, and my exclusive on the confession of Surinder Koli, the main accused, was both disturbing and challenging to report. I also had the rare experience of conducting the first and only interview with underworld don Fazlu Rehman—an encounter that I will never forget.

Some of my other exclusives include breaking stories like young IFS officers receiving English training for the first time, the shocking revelation that the anti-hijack hotline between the Cabinet Secretariat and Delhi airport had been out of order for two years, and reporting that Rabinder Singh, a senior RAW officer who defected to the U.S., was hiding in Virginia. Additionally, I uncovered that Delhi Police’s anti-eve-teasing unit was stationed inside Rashtrapati Bhawan and found that the cricket match-fixing probe had stalled for six years because the police couldn't find a translator for conversations between South African players and bookies.

Of all the cases, though, the Jessica Lal murder investigation was the most challenging. After the accused were acquitted, I followed Delhi Police’s reinvestigation, uncovering new details nearly every day. The story stretched over a year, and eventually, I obtained a sealed status report submitted to the Delhi High Court, which exposed investigative lapses. Hindustan Times dedicated nearly three pages to that exclusive—an unforgettable milestone in my career.”

What prompted your transition from journalism to communications? 

After nearly two decades of reporting from the frontlines, spanning investigative beats to political scoops, the need for a fresh challenge and purpose drove a bold career transition in his life. Moving from the fast-paced, unpredictable realm of journalism to the structured yet dynamic corporate communications world was no small leap.

Tushar highlights, “Fortunately, I had the opportunity to join SpiceJet, stepping into the corporate world in an industry I had already reported on and working directly with our Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Ajay Singh. Mr. Singh has been an exceptional mentor, easing my transition into the corporate environment and ensuring that I felt at home despite the shift from newsroom to boardroom.”

Challenges he faced after leaving his established journalistic career

After stepping away from a distinguished career in journalism, Tushar faced a new set of challenges as he transitioned into the world of corporate communications.

He underscores, “While both journalism and communications share a core focus on effective communication, storytelling, and understanding audience needs, stepping into communications meant learning new skills, understanding corporate dynamics, and adapting to an environment where the approach to information is often more strategic than straightforward. One of the initial challenges was shifting from a reporter's mindset—where my role was to scrutinise and question—to that of an advocate who has to build, protect, and communicate a positive image for the organisation.

Another challenge was finding the right balance between transparency and confidentiality. In journalism, transparency is paramount, while in communications, certain sensitivities and strategies have to be carefully managed. Navigating this was a learning curve but also a growth opportunity.”
 

Inspiration behind his debut book

As a seasoned crime reporter, journalism was never just about reporting for Tushar; it was a journey into some of the most enigmatic cases and exceptional investigations he could have imagined. In his debut novel, The Number You Are Calling Is Switched Off, he unearths an unforgettable story that draws its pulse from real-life events and cases he covered during his years on the crime beat. 

Talking about the inspiration behind his book, he highlights, “As a crime reporter, I had the unique opportunity of covering some extraordinary cases, witnessing brilliant investigations, and meeting some of the most exceptional police officers. I didn’t initially envision that my journalism career would lead me to write a book. But as I shared stories from my crime-reporting days with my wife, one particular case grabbed her attention, and she suggested it could form the foundation for a compelling thriller.

A brief about “The Number You Are Calling Is Switched Off”

Describing the plot and the successes of his recently published book, Tushar elucidates, “Picture this: a case where the police is trying to track a mobile phone that’s switched off all day and is turned on only for a few minutes to make a call, which each time throws a new location! How do you track such a phone? You might say through the documents used to purchase the SIM card. Yes, but what if the SIM card was bought using forged documents? And in over two months, the phone was used to make only a handful of calls— that too to only one person, who, like the police, has no idea who the caller is!

This isn’t a hypothetical case I am talking about—it was the Amar Singh Phone Tapping Case, which created a political storm and shook the country! A faceless, elusive caller made brief, unpredictable calls from various locations, outsmarting the authorities repeatedly. The intricacies of the case fascinated me—particularly how a man could walk right into Amar Singh’s residence with a CD of his recorded conversations! It was one of the most intriguing stories I ever covered, and the mystery of it lingered with me.

My debut novel, The Number You Are Calling Is Switched Off, partially draws from the Amar Singh case and other investigations I reported on, was released in September 2024, and the response has been overwhelming. It hit #3 on Amazon’s Global Hot New Releases in Crime Fiction. I always wondered if readers would be interested in a novel by a first-time author. To my surprise, some of the most discerning readers I know—my former editors, senior pilots, and literary enthusiasts—have shared that they finished it in one sitting.

I have been fortunate to receive endorsements from distinguished figures like Vir Sanghvi (former Editor-in-Chief, Hindustan Times), John Varghese (Principal, St. Stephen’s College), Karnal Singh (Former Director, Enforcement Directorate), Jyoti Malhotra (Editor-in-Chief, The Tribune), and Alok Kumar (Former Joint Commissioner, Crime Branch, Delhi Police). There’s nothing quite like the power of word of mouth, and I am thrilled by the positivity and excitement surrounding my book.”

Key Skills journalist needs to adapt to succeed in the communications industry

Talking about the skills journalist need to adapt to succeed in the comms industry, Tushar asserts, “Success in communications requires expanding these skills to include a focus on brand voice, strategic messaging, and relationship-building. In journalism, the goal is often to uncover and report, whereas in communications, it’s about shaping and guiding a narrative to foster trust and engagement. A journalist transitioning into this field must learn to frame messages from a brand perspective, align communication efforts with corporate goals, and master the art of persuasive storytelling that resonates with stakeholders. Balancing these elements is key to making a meaningful impact in communications.”

His most remarkable campaigns 

Tushar says that at SpiceJet, he and his team strive to push boundaries in communications, creating campaigns that resonate with their customers and celebrate the resilience and spirit of Indian aviation.

Highlighting some of the most remarkable campaigns he has worked on, Tushar illustrates, “One of our most remarkable campaigns was launched when India reached the historic milestone of administering 100 crore COVID vaccine doses. We unveiled a special livery on three aircraft to commemorate this achievement. Similarly, we honoured actor Sonu Sood for his humanitarian efforts during the pandemic by dedicating a special livery to him.  Throughout the pandemic, SpiceJet played a crucial role in keeping supply chains operational and repatriating stranded citizens. Our campaigns highlighted the dedication of our crew and the airline's commitment to serving the nation.”

Important life lessons he learned

Each phase of his career—journalist, communications professional, and author—has taught Tushar unique life lessons that shaped his perspective and approach both professionally and personally.

“As a Journalist, the most valuable lesson I learned was the power of truth and integrity.” 

“As a Communications Professional, I have learned the art of empathy and adaptability. Understanding diverse perspectives is essential in crafting narratives that resonate with people across cultures and backgrounds.” 

“Writing has taught me patience and introspection. Crafting my novel ‘The Number You Are Calling Is Switched Off’ allowed me to translate years of observations into fiction, revealing layers of human nature that I might have otherwise overlooked.”

His next chapter

Talking about the next chapter in his career, he envisions to balance his professional growth with personal fulfilment, creating stories that leave a lasting impact. “I look forward to continuing my journey as an author, exploring new themes and genres that connect with readers in fresh, meaningful ways”, he adds.