Celebrating Britain's 101 Most Influential Asians 2021

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#GG2PowerList

Amol Rajan


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HIS rise has been meteoric, and his influence will now stretch to those decision-makers Amol Rajan will hold to account on Britain’s top political programme – BBC Radio 4’s Today.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity one media insider told the GG2 Power List, “Amol is perfect for this programme. His approach is a mix of Del boy, but don’t be fooled nothing is left to chance. He will make his mark and he will get things out of the politicians he interrogates.”

Another BBC insider described how Rajan knew his worth as soon as he stepped inside the corporation. “Many of us of colour are wary of blowing our own trumpet. But with Amol, he came in and soon made his mark. Nothing fazes him and somehow, he has people wrapped around his little finger. What’s more he’s not afraid to let people know he knows he’s young and talented.”

Rajan was born in Kolkata, India, in 1983 and came to the UK with his parents when he was three.

He read English at the University of Cambridge, editing the Varsity newspaper for a term. After graduating Rajan worked briefly for the Evening Standard and Channel 5.

His appearance on the channel’s Wright Stuff is captured on YouTube. Dressed in a black tee shirt and jeans, the young Rajan interviewed a member of the audience.

Those who worked with him told the GG2 Power List that Rajan was an “insider and trusted adviser” of the Russian owner of the Independent, Evgeny Lebedev.

So, it was no surprise when Ledbedev appointed him editor aged 29. Rajan was the first, and only so far, non-white editor of a national daily newspaper.

“He knew what he wanted,” said one colleague who did not want to be identified.

“Amol had a vision and

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