A series of Tweets on Aaj Tak. Not many people would be knowing about the initial days of Aaj Tak. The legacy and history.

Aaj Tak started as an half an hour slot on Doordarshan sometime in late 90s. It's time slot was 9.30 to 10 PM if my memory serves right. It was hosted by B.P. Singh. It was a high quality news program and became very popular in a very short time.

As an early teenager this was something new in Hindi news. English news was already established by Prannoy Roy. NDTV' slot was 9-9.30 PM if my memory is correct. 9-10 PM slot by NDTV and Aajtak actually revolutionised private news due to their high quality content.

People really loved the host of Aaj Tak BP Singh. His most loved bit was when after the end of the show he used to say "Yeh thi khabrein Aaj Tak, intazar kijiye kal tak" as it was a Mon-Fri show. On Saturdays he said "Yeh thi khabrein Aaj Tak, intazar kijiye Somwar Tak"

Then the Uphaar cinema tragedy happened. That was the most sensitive news program I have ever ever seen in my life. BP Singh was literally in tears while presenting the show. I was moved while watching that show.

What I have heard is that after show someone told BP Singh. "Aaj toh maza aa gaya. Itne saare sponsors mile aaj ke shows ke liye ki poochiye hi mat."

BP Singh was badly shocked to hear this. That for some people news like this is also business.

BP Singh passed away that nightor the next day. Don't remember exactly how but it was heart attack. He had taken the Uphaar tragedy and maybe those comments to heart.

The next day's episode I still remember. The news anchor who anchored the show, his eyes were red due to weeping. I actually cried myself. He is still a famous news anchor.

BP Singh is never mentioned by @aajtak any more. He was the first ever presenter of Aaj Tak but he is forgotten now I think.

From a sensitive and ethical journalist. Like BP Singh. This is what Aaj Tak has become now. I'm sure his soul must be crying what his baby has become. The logo of Aaj Tak is still the same it was when it started on DD. From there to this, what a fall.

End.

@varungrover @sardesairajdeep @rahulkanwal @Memeghnad @AbhinandanSekhr @MnshaP @raip74 @dibang @ppbajpai @bainjal @abhisar_sharma @ReallySwara @Nidhi @JamwalNidhi @sanjukta @Benarasiyaa @vinodkapri @sakshijoshii @zoo_bear @free_thinker @PJkanojia

I have tried to search for a video or even photo of BP Singh. But it's not available anywhere. I would be really thankful of @dibang or @ashutosh83B or @ppbajpai or anyone else who knew or worked with him can show to the world what real journalist looked like.

I stand corrected. His name is SO Singh not BP Singh. This is his photo. Thanks to @ajayheregain for correction and providing a YouTube video from where I have taken this screenshot. This is what true journalist looked like.

@sanjaypugalia You had read the bulletin on the day after death of SO Singh of I am not wrong. I still remember you were in tears.

His name is SP Singh. Sorry. Auto correct changed it to SO Singh