Saurabh Dwivedi Shocks Fans by Quitting Lallantop: But Wait, Who REALLY Owns the Hindi News LallanTop?

In a move that's sent shockwaves through India's digital media landscape, Saurabh Dwivedi, the charismatic face behind The Lallantop, has stepped down after a whopping 12 years with the India Today Group. At just 41, the journalist who turned raw, conversational Hindi news into a viral sensation is bidding adieu to the platform he helped build from the ground up. But here's the twist that's got everyone buzzing: Was Lallantop ever his to begin with? Let's dive into the drama, the legacy, and the big question – who actually calls the shots at this 35-million-subscriber behemoth?

The Bombshell Exit: Why Now?

Saurabh Dwivedi announced his resignation in a heartfelt email, shared across social media, where he expressed gratitude to his team and hinted at exploring "new opportunities across diverse fields." After nurturing Lallantop since its launch in 2016, Dwivedi's departure feels like the end of an era. He joined India Today Group in 2013 as Features Editor at aajtak.in and quickly rose to shape Lallantop into a youth-favorite, blending politics, films, and everyday stories with unfiltered flair.

Fans are reeling. On X (formerly Twitter), reactions range from heartbreak to speculation. One user lamented, "Saurabh Dwivedi left Lallantop. Sad? Yes. But the way people are posting about it makes it sound like he passed away." Another pondered, "Why has Saurabh Dwivedi left Lallantop? Is he going to join politics?" And in true internet fashion, memes are flying – comparing his exit to Messi leaving Barcelona or even global chaos like Maduro's capture.

Dwivedi himself kept it classy on X, saying he'll take a "leisure break" before his next move. But whispers suggest creative differences: Some point to his recent shows questioning BJP narratives on issues like water contamination in MP or selective targeting of celebs like Shah Rukh Khan. Others speculate personal ambitions clashed with institutional goals, turning a mass platform into something more film-centric.

The Real Owner Revealed: It's Not Who You Think

Here's where it gets juicy. Many assumed Saurabh Dwivedi owned Lallantop – after all, he's the founding editor, the host of hits like "The Lallantop Show," "Netanagri," and "Duniyadaari." But nope, Lallantop is fully owned by the India Today Group, a subsidiary of TV Today Network Ltd., under the umbrella of Living Media India Limited. The big boss? Aroon Purie, the media mogul who founded India Today and foresaw YouTube's potential back in 2016.

Dwivedi was a "homegrown talent" nurtured within the group, as stated by Kalli Purie, Vice Chairperson. He didn't start it as an independent startup; it was always part of India Today's digital push. As one X user put it, "I always thought he was the owner, and India Today has acquired stakes in his venture." Fact-check: India Today owns 100% through its entities.

This revelation has sparked debates: Was Dwivedi the soul of Lallantop, or just its star employee? With 35 million YouTube subscribers and a rep for "honest, grounded, people-centric journalism," the platform disrupted Hindi media by speaking the youth's language. But ownership stayed firmly with the Purie family empire.

What's Next for Saurabh and Lallantop?

Post-Dwivedi, Kuldeep Mishra steps up to lead editorial operations, while Rajat Sain handles production. Lallantop's future? It might stick to its roots, but losing Dwivedi's vibe could be a game-changer. As for Saurabh, rumors swirl about a new YouTube channel, politics, or even Bollywood ties – remember those SRK defenses? One Reddit user quipped, "Better that he left... even if he started his own channel it will work for him."

His salary? Reports peg it at a hefty figure, but that's secondary to his legacy: Elevating Hindi journalism to small towns and redefining digital news. Personal life? Married to Gunjan Dwivedi with kids, he's keeping it low-key amid the buzz.

The Bigger Picture: Media Shifts in 2026

Dwivedi's exit isn't isolated – think Ravish Kumar leaving NDTV. It highlights tensions between personal vision and corporate control in India's evolving media scene. As one LinkedIn post noted, "He didn’t just run a newsroom, he built a movement."

So, who owns Lallantop? India Today Group, hands down. But who made it iconic? Saurabh Dwivedi. As fans wait for his next chapter, one thing's clear: Hindi news just got a lot less lallantop without him.