Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD, FACEP, US Bureau Chief of The Desi Buzz and founder of ArlingtonIntegrative.com, sat down for an exclusive interview with Loveena Tandon—an award-winning journalist, filmmaker, speaker, and foreign correspondent for India Today. As the creator of the podcast India: A Story in the Making and Founder-CEO of Megarush, Loveena brings a unique perspective on global affairs, media evolution, and the power of storytelling.
With a career spanning radio, TV, print, podcasts, and digital media, Loveena has covered some of the most pivotal stories of our time. In this insightful conversation, she discusses the art of journalism, the impact of digital storytelling, and how curiosity continues to drive her work. Join us as we dive into her experiences, inspirations, and future projects.
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Watch the interview on YouTube
Background & Early Journey
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Can you share a bit about your background and how you got started in journalism, filmmaking, and media?
Loveena Tandon: Growing up, I wanted to be a diplomat. Well, my father wanted me to be a doctor first. But that dream ended the moment I realized I couldn’t even dissect a frog. My friends had to lay it out on the tray for me—that was the end of that! Also, I didn’t pass the PMT.
Then came the idea of joining the foreign service—becoming a diplomat. These weren’t exactly my dreams; they were software installations from society, from family. But this was the one I warmed up to the most.
I landed at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi, but not without a little rebellion. I applied without telling my father—a professor himself—who never wanted his daughters to move to another city. But when he found out, he stood by me, all the way. I studied English Literature at JNU, and one day, I told my father, “When you retire, you won’t have to send me money. I’ll fund my own education.” He never needed to.
At the time, he was sending me ₹1,000 a month. That’s when the hustling began.
I got into Youth Radio, then FM, and soon, I had my own show. Each episode paid ₹500, and with at least four shows a month, I was making it work. That was my gateway into media. From there, it was scriptwriting, acting, and then television. I even funded my own MPhil.
Then came Zee, BBC World Service, and finally, Aaj Tak–India Today. Journalism became my world. I wasn’t just reporting; I was shaping shows. At Aaj Tak, I was responsible for the first-of-its-kind daily health show Sabse Fit, then Dharma, and many more. During this period, I also made documentaries and worked on feature film sets.
A Charles Wallace Fellowship took me to Cardiff University, where I met my husband. Marriage, moving countries, packing up one life and starting another—May 2006 changed everything.
In 2007, I restarted my journey with India Today from the UK. The dream had evolved. The diplomat in me never took the foreign service exam, but I still found myself in the thick of global conversations, telling stories that transcend borders, interviewing a lot of diplomats.
And here I am, still at it.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: What inspired you to pursue a career in storytelling across different mediums?
Loveena Tandon: For me, storytelling wasn’t a conscious choice—it was a natural progression. The medium kept evolving, but the essence remained the same.
Visuals come quite naturally to me. Radio, where I started, has a meditative quality—it forces you to paint pictures with sound, to create an entire world without visuals. I’ve been writing since a very young age, publishing in newspapers while living in Ujjain. But my ultimate dream? To make feature films.
At the core of it all is my love for understanding people—diving into their minds, unraveling why they do what they do. That curiosity led to my video podcast, India: A Story in the Making.
I have witnessed, first-hand, how the perception of India has evolved globally. There was a time when the India story felt like a whisper in international discourse—either incomplete or told through an external lens. But I saw it differently. And I felt that perspective was missing.
So, I started. And I have been amazed by how deeply it has resonated.
Journalism & Reporting
Dr. Shabana Parvez: As a foreign correspondent for India Today Group, you’ve covered a wide range of topics. What are some of the most memorable stories you’ve reported on?
Loveena Tandon: Being a foreign correspondent means covering a lot—sometimes right in the heart of chaos, other times in deeply emotional moments that never leave you.
From a thrill perspective, one of the most intense stories was covering the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris. I was chasing the story in real time, moving toward the frontline where the shooting was happening, following the police chase. At one point, we were reporting on one attack when another unfolded. It was surreal, fast-paced, and relentless. And I was doing it all on my own, even going live while the shooting was still happening.
Then there are stories that shake you to your core, like Savita Halappanavar—the woman in Galway, Ireland, who lost her life because abortion was not allowed. It was shocking, painful. I was the first to reach her family. That story haunted me.
Some cases are puzzling. Like the Chatterjee case in Norway, which later inspired the film Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. I interviewed the father—a heartbreaking case of social services taking away a child. Cases like these disturb me, especially when bureaucracy overrules humanity.
Then there were high-profile financial scandals. The Finmeccanica helicopter scam was a major one—India’s ₹3,600 crore deal to buy AgustaWestland helicopters, which turned into a global corruption case. I was tracking Guido Haschke, the middleman, finding his residence, following leads across borders. It was a case that connected India, Italy, and the UK, exposing bribery at the highest levels.
I’ve also been deep into extradition cases—Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi. If they moved, I had to know. My kids were very young then, and they still remember how these cases shaped our daily life. If Mallya tweeted, it meant I had to rush out—cue frantic calls to childminders, coordinating school pickups, juggling breaking news with parenting.
One of the wildest reporting moments was chasing UK ministers in Amsterdam. It was almost like detective work—tracking their movements, following up on secret meetings, piecing together the bigger picture. I was told they had to cut their trip short because of the scrutiny. It wasn’t quite spy-thriller stuff, but it had that undercover chase element.
One moment that sums up my life as a journalist and a single mother was the Parsons Green attack in London. It happened the day before my kids’ birthday party. Both were born in May, so I used to celebrate on the same day, inviting parents, cooking everything myself. That night, I was cooking inside, keeping tabs on the developments while rushing outside to do live reports. I couldn’t leave my children alone, so I managed everything from home until my ex-husband arrived in the morning. The moment he walked in, I rushed to the site, reported live, wrapped up by 11 AM, and made it back just in time for the noon birthday party.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: How has being based in London influenced your perspective on global news, especially in relation to India?
Loveena Tandon: Being in London gives a bird’s-eye view of global narratives. You see how stories evolve across borders, how different nations interpret the same event, and where India fits into that bigger picture. It also allows for a more varied perspective—London is incredibly diverse, and you find Indians and Pakistanis running businesses together, people from different backgrounds coexisting in ways that might seem unusual elsewhere.
At the same time, you become an unexpected source of information. Many people here don’t know the complexities of India’s political, economic, and cultural landscape beyond surface-level headlines. So, in conversations—whether with colleagues, policymakers, or even in casual settings—you find yourself offering context, correcting misconceptions, and sometimes even shaping how India is perceived.
Structurally, reporting here is different. It’s more formalized. If an official says they won’t give a soundbite, they won’t—there’s no chasing them for an off-the-record remark. Information comes through structured channels—press conferences, official statements, social media updates from institutions. If there’s a police incident, for example, you won’t see reporters crowding outside a police station hoping for a quote; instead, the authorities will put out a Twitter update or a formal press release. These subtle differences change how you operate as a journalist.
But what I’ve realized is that while access may be more structured, the essence of storytelling remains the same—finding the human angle, connecting the dots, and making sure people see beyond just headlines. And that’s where my perspective from India helps—I can add depth, context, and an understanding of why certain events matter in a way that might otherwise be missing.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Can you share a particularly challenging or life-changing moment from your time reporting in war zones and high-conflict areas?
Loveena Tandon: I was at the Ukraine-Romania border when I saw her—a young mother walking briskly, holding her toddler’s tiny hand. The little girl clutched a pink teddy bear, her short legs struggling to keep up. Behind them, an elderly woman, possibly the grandmother, carried a few bags—whatever they could manage to bring.
They had left behind everything.
The mother, exhausted but willing to speak, told me that she left her husband and her 18-year-old son back home to fight. Her son had turned 18 just a day before, so he had to stay back to fight despite his will. As she cried, I cried too.
That moment changed me.
As a foreign correspondent, I had spent years chasing stories—wars, terror attacks, extraditions. I remember boarding a last-minute flight to Paris when the Charlie Hebdo attack happened, calling my husband (now my ex) and telling him to pick up the children. I thought I’d be gone for two days. It turned into ten. When I returned, schoolteachers complained about my children’s attendance.
Frustrated, I lashed out at my husband: “You can’t even manage one thing properly?”
His response stayed with me. “The kids won’t move until they see you on TV. Only then do they feel you’re safe.”
At the Ukrainian border, I finally understood. I had never called home until the story was done—by then, my children were already asleep. Reporting war, I had witnessed pain, grief, and loss. But I had never truly absorbed what it meant to be the one left behind. That mother’s heartbreak mirrored so many others—women whose stories rarely make headlines, because in the grand scheme of war, they are just another drop in an ocean of suffering.
Journalists and editors make these choices every day. That day, I realized I wanted to tell stories that don’t just inform—but make people feel. On my return, I will hug my children tighter and say “I love you” often.
Filmmaking & Podcasting
Dr. Shabana Parvez: What drew you towards documentary filmmaking, and how does it differ from traditional news reporting?
Loveena Tandon: Documentary filmmaking allows for depth—going beyond headlines, beyond the rush of breaking news. It gives space to explore complexities, emotions, and untold layers of a story. In news, you’re often chasing immediacy; in documentaries, you chase understanding. There’s also creative freedom—using visuals, sound, and narrative pacing to make people feel a story, not just hear it. That’s what draws me in—the ability to truly immerse in a subject and bring audiences along for the journey.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Your podcast, India: A Story in the Making, explores deep cultural and political narratives. What has been the most impactful story you’ve covered so far?
Loveena Tandon: I see India through the lens of those who weren’t born there—people from different parts of the world who have found a deep, personal connection with its culture, philosophy, and traditions. It’s been fascinating to witness how India touches lives in unexpected ways.
I carefully choose my guests—each one has a story that is not only unique but also deeply moving. In my recent spiritual series, I spoke to a Hungarian ballerina and film director from an aristocratic lineage. She calls India home, despite being born thousands of miles away. She was named Ganga at the Kumbh Mela, and when she recounts that moment, she wells up with emotion.
Then there’s Adam Bakhtai, whose chanting of Sanskrit shlokas puts even many Indians to shame. Or David Stollar, an Englishman who lost interest in life at 16 until he discovered Sanskrit and the Bhagavad Gita—giving him a sense of purpose. He’s one of the key reasons Sanskrit is now part of the UK’s GCSE curriculum.
Even in unexpected places, India’s influence runs deep. Tim Fischer, the former manager of Coventry Football Club and an investment banker, has made a home in Gujarat because he believes the best tradesmen live there and learn from them.
Each of these stories is a testament to how India’s cultural and spiritual legacy continues to shape people across the world. That’s what makes this journey so impactful.
Loveena Tandon: How do you approach storytelling to ensure it resonates with diverse audiences?
Loveena Tandon: Interviewing people from varied backgrounds and experiences to create relatable, inclusive narratives. I am driven by my own curiosity and interest. My own journey as an immigrant, journalist, and mother helps shape my perspective. I always strive to make the connection.
Megarush Ltd & Media Entrepreneurship
Dr. Shabana Parvez: What motivated you to start Megarush Ltd? What gap in the media industry are you trying to fill?
Loveena Tandon: Megarush Ltd. was born from the names of my two children, Megan and Arush. But beyond that, it carries the essence of my own journey as an immigrant in the UK, juggling life with young children, housework, and the weight of trying to find balance. I often found myself yearning for a space to just breathe, to let my hair down and know my kids were safe. That’s when I decided to create Megarush—a space for women, where they could come together, unwind, and feel supported. We started with events, creating moments of empowerment, and now we also craft films for organizations that want to tell their stories in a more personal, human way. These films have helped increase engagement and membership, proving that when you connect on a deeper level, people respond.
C3 Vision, on the other hand, is about connecting cultures through conversation—bringing people closer, creating podcasts and videos that not only tell stories but build community. We dive into the heart of each brand, brainstorming and crafting creative, editorial-driven content that speaks directly to the people they aim to connect with. For me, it’s all about making the world feel a little bit smaller, one story at a time.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: You focus on culture-sensitive messaging, diversity, and inclusion. How do these values shape your work?
Loveena Tandon: Culture-sensitive messaging, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of everything I do. They shape my work by ensuring that every story I tell—whether through events, films, or podcasts—resonates with the diverse backgrounds of the audience, fostering understanding and connection. It’s about creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, and where every voice adds depth to the conversation.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: In today’s digital world, how important is it for brands and individuals to have a strong media presence?
Loveena Tandon: For me, life is about making connections: with oneself, with friends, and with your audience too. The digital world provides that opportunity, and I don’t think anyone who has to say, sell, or survive can miss this boat. The challenge lies in how we communicate and the value we bring to others. A strong media presence is a must. Telling your story in a way that people give you their valuable time is the key.
Challenges & Lessons Learned
Dr. Shabana Parvez: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a journalist and filmmaker, especially as a woman in media?
Loveena Tandon: I’ve never really seen myself as a woman in media—more as someone doing the work, just like anyone else. In fact, sometimes I wished someone would think twice before sending me to the most dangerous places—I’m joking, of course! The real challenges have been in balancing life. We are expected to be “ever ready.” The constant pressure of being always ready, canceling plans last minute because something urgent comes up, can create a lot of anxiety. It’s that adrenaline rush that keeps you going, but it can also make you feel like you’re living on the edge, never fully able to relax or commit.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: How do you handle misinformation and bias in journalism, particularly when covering sensitive topics?
Loveena Tandon: Handling misinformation and bias, especially when covering sensitive topics, requires a careful approach. I always cross-check facts from at least two authentic, reliable sources to ensure accuracy and fairness. Staying calm and balanced is key—remaining true to my values, focusing on integrity, and providing a clear, objective perspective. It’s important to acknowledge the complexities of sensitive issues, giving voice to all sides while avoiding sensationalism. Ultimately, the goal is to inform, not inflame, fostering a more informed and thoughtful audience.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: What advice would you give to young journalists and filmmakers who want to make an impact in the industry?
Loveena Tandon: Be informed and stay curious, always learning from the world around you. Be resilient but know when to draw the line and protect your well-being. Above all, be yourself—connect to your strengths, stay true to your voice, and don’t try to be someone else. Keep improving your craft, learning from every experience, and find your niche. Your unique perspective and authenticity will be what sets you apart and makes an impact in the industry. VALUE YOU.
Personal Insights & Future Goals
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Your work spans radio, TV, print, podcasts, and digital media. Which format do you enjoy the most and why?
Loveena Tandon: Each format has its own special place in my work. If I had to choose, I love deep-dive interviews the most – they allow for meaningful, in-depth conversations that truly uncover the essence of a story. However, the adrenaline rush of live news coverage is unbeatable; there’s nothing like the thrill of being in the moment, delivering breaking news when it matters most.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: How do you balance professional storytelling with personal experiences?
Loveena Tandon: Personal experiences inform and inspire when required, such as in documentaries or films, adding depth and authenticity. However, when reporting news, one must keep personal views aside to ensure objectivity and fairness. It’s about knowing when your story serves the audience and when the audience deserves just the facts.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects, films, or initiatives you’d like to share with our audience?
Loveena Tandon: Two podcast series are in the pipeline; hopefully, a book and a feature film sometime soon.
Rapid-Fire Round (For Fun!)
Dr. Shabana Parvez: A book that changed your perspective?
Loveena Tandon: Fountainhead by Ayn Rand.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Your go-to stress buster?
Loveena Tandon: Watching movies and sharing laughs with family and friends.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: If you could interview any historical figure, who would it be and why?
Loveena Tandon: Mahatma Gandhi—to ask how he worked on his transformation and what really transpired for the partition to happen.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: One word that defines your journey so far?
Loveena Tandon: Two words—Curiosity and Persistence.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Loveena, thank you for taking the time to share your journey, insights, and experiences with us. Your passion for storytelling and commitment to impactful journalism are truly inspiring. It has been a pleasure learning about your work and the exciting projects ahead. Wishing you continued success, and I look forward to seeing more of your incredible contributions to the world of media!
Loveena Tandon: Thank you, Dr. Shabana Parvez! It was an absolute pleasure to have this conversation with you. I truly appreciate the thoughtful questions and the opportunity to reflect on my journey. Storytelling has been my passion, and discussions like these remind me why I do what I do. Wishing you all the best in your incredible work, and I look forward to staying connected!
