EP - 102| ‼️CONTROVERSIES & CONSPIRACIES | Ft. Journalist Satish Babu | RawtTalks Telugu Podcast
In this Telugu podcast episode, we sit down with Satish Babu Garu, senior journalist with over four decades of experience in Telugu media. Known for his fearless programmes Dharmapeetam and Journalist Diary, he takes us through untold stories, rare encounters, and unforgettable moments with towering leaders like NTR, YSR, KCR, Jayalalitha, Chandrababu Naidu, Nadendla Bhaskar Rao, Renuka Chaudhary, and others.Produced with his own money, nearly ₹14 lakhs, Dharmapeetam became a landmark show at a time when private electronic media was just taking shape. Without fear or compromise, the show gave a way to ask the questions no one else dared to. From delicate issues to personal truths, the programme redefined Telugu journalism.He recalls his powerful memories with NTR, the journey from Gemini office to Dharmapeetam in NTR’s favorite Maruti 800, the leader’s habit of never using black ink, and the heartfelt appreciation he received after the show. The episode, shot in October and telecast on January 15th, became historic. A few days later, on January 18th, 1996, NTR passed away suddenly, making that telecast one of the last candid conversations with the legendary leader.Satish Babu also shares insider perspectives on YSR’s meteoric rise--how TV amplified his popularity, why his death triggered an emotional wave across Andhra Pradesh, and the rare culture of devotion that led to suicides after his passing. He highlights the role of media in building leaders, and the personal connection his own family felt during that time.From Jayalalitha’s humiliation in the Tamil Nadu Assembly and her vow to become CM, to Chandrababu Naidu’s bomb blast episode, Satish Babu analyzes how leaders face crises, and what journalists must learn from such moments. He recalls the attack on IPS Umesh Chandra, naxalite encounters, and the balance required to report injustice on both sides.The podcast then travels into the Telangana agitation: KCR’s hunger strike, the Million March at Tank Bund, and the role of electronic media in intensifying the movement. Satish Babu reflects on why movements succeed, when they lose control, and why KCR eventually faced defeat after a decade of power.Beyond politics, we see Satish Babu the person; camera-shy, preferring to stay behind the scenes, sometimes battling alcohol, yet brutally honest about its effect on his career. He opens up about facing hate comments, accusations of bias, corruption allegations, and why a journalist’s job is to reveal truth regardless of party lines.Drawing inspiration from Karan Thapar’s fearless interviewing style, he explains the difference between seeing and truly observing. From covering disturbing bomb culture stories in Kadapa, to calling Justice Waghray directly for NTR’s case while still in his twenties, to recording voices of constables in Adilabad encounters, Satish Babu’s career shows what fearless journalism looks like.Along the way, he remembers unusual incidents: a temple shut down after Dalit entry, Gandhi Hospital negligence case, his first computer bought with a 1-lakh loan (20 MB hard disk, 2 MB RAM), and acting cameos in films like Ganesh and Yatra.In this episode, Satish Babu also talks about family, women’s role in his life, profit vs. principles in journalism, and advice for the next generation of creators. For him, contributions may feel “negligible,” but his legacy of courage speaks volumes.Whether it is Dharmapeetam’s 50 bold episodes, the final interview with Gaddar just before his attack, or the emotional truths of Telangana politics, Satish Babu Garu’s journey reminds us why journalism matters.If you’re someone curious about Telugu politics, fearless interviews, the evolution of journalism, leadership stories, and insider perspectives on NTR, YSR, KCR, Jayalalitha, and Chandrababu Naidu, this episode is a must-listen.
Ireland