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'''Monita Rajpal''' (born 20 February 1974) is an independent journalist and blogger. She is a former Anchor at [[CNN International]].
{{Infobox person
| name = Monita Rajpal
| image = Monita Rajpal at the Copenhagen Fashion Summit, three quarters view.jpg
| caption = Rajpal at the Copenhagen Fashion Summit in 2016
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1974|2|20|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Hong Kong]]
| death_date =
| death_place =
| religion =
| occupation = Television presenter
| spouse =
| children =
| alma mater =
| website = http://monitarajpal.com/
}}
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'''Monita Rajpal''' (born 20 February 1974) is a journalist. She is a former [[news presenter]] for [[Citytv]] and [[CNN International]].


At CNN, she anchored ''[[CNN Today]]'', ''World One'', the art programmes ''Art of Life'' and ''Icon'', ''CNN NewsCenter'', and ''[[TalkAsia]]''. She worked for CNN between 2001 and 2014, first in Atlanta at the [[CNN Center]], next in London, and finally in Hong Kong. Since leaving CNN, she blogs on her news and lifestyle blog, The Citrine Room.
At CNN, she anchored ''[[CNN Today]]'', ''World One'', the art programmes ''Art of Life'' and ''Icon'', ''CNN NewsCenter'', and ''[[TalkAsia]]''. She worked for CNN between 2001 and 2014, first in Atlanta at the [[CNN Center]], next in London, and finally in Hong Kong. Since leaving CNN, she founded [https://www.thecitrineroom.com The Citrine Room], a news and lifestyle blog, a collection of original and curated content focusing on stories that challenge the way we think, live, and work.


==Career==
==Career==
''Monita Rajpal'' is an independent journalist and blogger with over twenty years experience working in television news. She is most well known for her work at CNN where for 14 years she was part of award-winning coverage anchoring some of the biggest stories of the last two decades including 9/11, the Asian Tsunami, the London bombings, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the trial of Saddam Hussein, the Arab Spring, Britain’s Royal Wedding, and the London Olympics. In her time at CNN she anchored the network’s flagship breakfast show in London and a prime time news programme in Hong Kong.
[[File:Monita Rajpal at the Copenhagen Fashion Summit, profile.jpg|thumb|Rajpal at the Copenhagen Fashion Summit in 2016]]
In her second year of college, Rajpal wished to work at a [[part-time job]], so she did a two-month contract as a [[switchboard operator]] at the [[CHUM-City Building]].<ref name="Eckler2001-04-04">{{cite news |last=Eckler |first=Rebecca |date=2001-04-04 |title=Former 'switchette' bound for CNN: Monita Rajpal lands coveted position with media giant |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/50631755/national-post/ |newspaper=[[National Post]] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |accessdate=2020-05-10 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510043441/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/50631755/national-post/ |archivedate=2020-05-10 }}</ref> After she graduated from [[Ryerson University]] with a degree in radio and television arts in 1996,<ref name="Sarkar2007-04-14">{{cite news |last=Sarkar |first=John |date=2007-04-14 |title=Seeking cultures |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/seeking-cultures/articleshow/1907416.cms |newspaper=[[The Economic Times]] |accessdate=2020-05-10 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510045345/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/seeking-cultures/articleshow/1907416.cms |archivedate=2020-05-10 }}</ref> Rajpal started a six-month contract to be a [[receptionist]] at ChumCity.<ref name="Eckler2001-04-04"/> She responded to phone calls and led visitors on building tours.<ref name="Coutts2010-10-28">{{cite news |last=Coutts |first=Matthew |date=2010-10-28 |title=Monita Rajpal: From a T.O. reception desk to CNN's anchor chair, this cable news icon dishes on landing her dream job and growing up in North York |url=https://trnto.com/monita-rajpal/ |work=TRNTO |publisher=Post City Magazines |accessdate=2020-05-10 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510101654/https://trnto.com/monita-rajpal/ |archivedate=2020-05-10 }}</ref> On the final day of her contract, Stephen Hurlbut, the vice president of programming, requested that she continue working for several weeks to conduct research.<ref name="Eckler2001-04-04"/> Rajpal became Hurlbut's assistant at [[CP24]] as the channel was being launched in 1997.<ref name="Eckler2001-04-04"/> She then became a reporter and anchor for CP24<ref name="Eckler2001-04-04"/> and [[Citytv]], where she reported on stories for the "primetime nightly news" such as [[list of Canadian federal general elections|federal elections]], teacher strikes, and homelessness in Toronto.<ref name="Walunjkar2004-08-17">{{cite news |last=Walunjkar |first=Somashukla Sinha |date=2004-08-17 |title=CNN's Indian link: Life as a TV anchor requires stamina. But then if you want to achieve something, you have to give your job your best, says Monita Rajpal. |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/cnn-s-indian-link/story-eI2YC64AgryqCN7SjuTvFJ.html |newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]] |agency=[[Press Trust of India]] |accessdate=2020-05-10 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510044938/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/cnn-s-indian-link/story-eI2YC64AgryqCN7SjuTvFJ.html |archivedate=2020-05-10 }}</ref>


Described as a “true talent” by Pharell Williams and “brilliant” by Tom Ford, Rajpal has interviewed numerous celebrities and newsmakers, including Mikhael Gorbachev, Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan, former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres, & Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto. She also specialized in the business of the luxury industry, hosting a series of programs where she interviewed the CEOs of LVMH, Kering, Cartier, Chopard, Tag Heuer, Salvatore Ferragamo, Boucheron, amongst others.
While situated in his Toronto hotel room in February 2001, a [[CNN]] executive was browsing through the television channels and saw Rajpal.<ref name="Eckler2001-04-04"/> He extended an Atlanta-based [[CNN International]] anchor position to Rajpal, who accepted<ref name="Eckler2001-04-04"/> and started working at CNN in 2001.<ref name="Taneja2010-09-25">{{cite news |last=Taneja |first=Nikhil |date=2010-09-25 |title=CNN's new show on art and culture: Icon explores the memorable facets of art and transcends boundaries in terms of culture and influence; Monita Rajapal, news anchor with CNN, will host the show. |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/art-and-culture/cnn-s-new-show-on-art-and-culture/story-aiwkJmf3zLRXv2GrYjAldK.html |newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]] |accessdate=2020-05-10 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510050307/https://www.hindustantimes.com/art-and-culture/cnn-s-new-show-on-art-and-culture/story-aiwkJmf3zLRXv2GrYjAldK.html |archivedate=2020-05-10 }}</ref> She worked about 12 hours daily at the [[CNN Center]], reading news publications like ''[[The Economist]]'' and ''[[The New Yorker]]''.<ref name="Walunjkar2004-08-17"/> While based in Atlanta, she had interviewed [[Ehud Barak]], a former [[Prime Minister of Israel]]; [[Andrés Pastrana Arango]], the then-[[President of Colombia]]; and [[Moses Blah]], who had just taken office as [[President of Liberia]].<ref name="Walunjkar2004-08-17"/> She covered news stories about the [[war on terror]], [[Catholic Church sexual abuse cases]], Liberian strife, former American president [[Jimmy Carter]]'s visit to Cuba, and [[presidential elections in France]].<ref name="Sarkar2007-04-14"/><ref name="Gordon2003-11-24">{{cite news |last=Gordon |first=Dave |date=2003-11-24 |title=From Toronto to Atlanta: The former Citytv reporter Monita Rajpal is enjoying her high-profile anchor position at CNN International |url=http://www.popjournalism.ca/pop/features/2003-2004/00087monitarajpal.shtml |magazine=[[Popjournalism]] |accessdate=2020-05-11 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071218111415/http://www.popjournalism.ca/pop/features/2003-2004/00087monitarajpal.shtml |archivedate=2007-12-18 }}</ref>


Rajpal hosted her own talk show ‘''Talk Asia with Monita Rajpal''’ where she interviewed the biggest names in politics, fashion, sport, music, film, design, and more such as Stella McCartney, Roger Federer, Manchester City Captain Vincent Kompany, Cate Blanchett, Vin Diesel, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, the acclaimed architects Cecil Balmond and Thomas Heatherwick, to name just a few.
Rajpal moved to London in late 2004 where she anchored the European edition of ''[[CNN Today]]'' and the art programme ''Art of Life''.<ref name="Sarkar2007-04-14"/><ref name="Nair2007-03-30">{{cite news |last=Nair |first=Nandini |date=2007-03-30 |title=CNN anchor Monita Rajpal on the various experiences of anchoring |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/03/30/stories/2007033001530400.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |accessdate=2020-05-10 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070527072133/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/03/30/stories/2007033001530400.htm |archivedate=2007-05-27 }}</ref> In 2010, Rajpal hosted the CNN art culture programme ''Icon''.<ref name="Taneja2010-09-25"/> The show's first three episodes discussed Paris fashion and art, guitarist [[Les Paul]]'s legacy, and advertising.<ref name="Taneja2010-09-25"/> In 2011, she co-anchored ''World One'', a daily CNN International news programme while based in London.<ref name="Savin2011-02-06">{{cite news |last=Savin |first=Monique |date=2011-02-06 |title=CNN anchor's challenge: fitting workouts into 17-hour days |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/fitness/cnn-anchors-challenge-fitting-workouts-into-17-hour-days/article572442/ |newspaper=[[The Globe and Mail]] |accessdate=2020-05-10 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510051206/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/fitness/cnn-anchors-challenge-fitting-workouts-into-17-hour-days/article572442/ |archivedate=2020-05-10 }}</ref><ref name="Bohwongprasert2013-05-07">{{cite news |last=Bohwongprasert |first=Yvonne |date=2013-05-07 |title=Firmly Anchored: CNN International's Monita Rajpal has the confidence and experience needed to spearhead two flagship shows |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/348735/firmly-anchored |newspaper=[[Bangkok Post]] |accessdate=2020-05-10 |archiveurl=https://archive.is/lvWxF |archivedate=2020-05-10 }}</ref>


Monita has reported from and hosted shows around the world including the Great Wall of China, Kazakhstan, Havana, the Academy Awards in Hollywood, London’s Westminster Abbey, Kuala Lumpur, Rajasthan India, St. Petersburg Russia, Berlin, Paris, and Milan. She has also published numerous articles for various print and online publications including: CNN.com.
In late 2012, Rajpal moved from London to Hong Kong.<ref name="Bohwongprasert2013-05-07"/><ref name="Laghate2013-01-20">{{cite news |last=Laghate |first=Gaurav |date=2013-01-20 |title=CNN focuses on Asia, strengthens Hong Kong bureau |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/cnn-focuses-on-asia-strengthens-hong-kong-bureau-112112200145_1.html |newspaper=[[Business Standard]] |accessdate=2020-05-10 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510103659/https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/cnn-focuses-on-asia-strengthens-hong-kong-bureau-112112200145_1.html |archivedate=2020-05-10 }}</ref> She hosted two shows that had their first broadcasts at the beginning of 2013: ''CNN NewsCenter'' and ''[[TalkAsia]]''.<ref name="Bohwongprasert2013-05-07"/> ''CNN NewsCenter'' is a news programme that discusses international headlines, while ''TalkAsia'' is a weekly programme that interviews an internationally known person for 30 minutes.<ref name="Bohwongprasert2013-05-07"/> Notable people she has interviewed for CNN include [[Mikhail Gorbachev]],<ref name="Coutts2010-10-28"/> [[Vicente Fox]],<ref name="Sarkar2007-04-14"/> [[Al Gore]],<ref name="Coutts2010-10-28"/> [[Tom Ford]],<ref name="Taneja2010-09-25"/> and [[I. M. Pei]].<ref name="Taneja2010-09-25"/> Rajpal left CNN on 4 July 2014.<ref name="Rajpal2014-07-03">{{cite tweet |last=Rajpal |first=Monita |user=MonitaRajpal |number=484694644257599488 |date=2014-07-03 |title=13yrs & 3 countries. Time to recalibrate & risk. July 4th I fly the CNN nest. Your continued support humbles me. Stay tuned for what's next! |accessdate=2020-05-10 |archiveurl=https://archive.is/hNW1W |archivedate=2020-05-10 }}</ref>

Today, Monita works on her news and lifestyle blog,  The Citrine Room, a collection of original and curated pieces reflecting her passion for news and issues that champion racial diversity, mental health, explore psychology, mindfulness, and self-growth, as well as stories that challenge conventional ways of thinking and being.


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Rajpal was born on 20 February 1974<ref name="Eckler2001-04-04"/><ref name="Rajpal2019-02-20">{{cite tweet |last=Rajpal |first=Monita |user=MonitaRajpal |number=1098266278119292928 |date=2019-02-20 |title=Quite proud of the fact that my dearest friends are sending me Golden Girls gifs for my birthday. #goals |accessdate=2020-05-10 |archiveurl=https://archive.is/IpGGg |archivedate=2020-05-10 }}</ref><ref name="Rajpal2013-02-20">{{cite tweet |last=Rajpal |first=Monita |user=MonitaRajpal |number=304208094576144384 |date=2013-02-20 |title=Thank you all so much for the lovely birthday wishes! I wish I could reply to each of you. But I'm off to eat cake and celebrate! |accessdate=2020-05-10 |archiveurl=https://archive.is/CTEyr |archivedate=2020-05-10 }}</ref><ref name="Rajpal2013-02-19">{{cite tweet |last=Rajpal |first=Monita |user=MonitaRajpal |number=303789290759000064 |date=2013-02-19 |title=“@cvillanueva18 : @MonitaRajpalCNN Happy Birthday :)” thank you but it's not till tomorrow. |accessdate=2020-05-10 |archiveurl=https://archive.is/c54Sm |archivedate=2020-05-10 }}</ref> in Hong Kong to "a Chinese mother of Indian origin and an Indian father".<ref name="Sarkar2007-04-14"/> Her maternal grandfather moved from [[Punjab]] to [[Shanghai]] at 16 years old. Her mother was raised in Shanghai and became an electronics company executive.<ref name="Bohwongprasert2013-05-07"/> Rajpal is [[Sikh]]<ref name="Giles2007-07-26">{{cite news |last=Giles |first=Lee |date=2007-07-26 |title=Sikh names policy must go |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/50632065/red-deer-advocate/ |newspaper=[[Red Deer Advocate]] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |accessdate=2020-05-10 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510044253/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/50632065/red-deer-advocate/ |archivedate=2020-05-10 }}</ref> and has a brother.<ref name="Sarkar2007-04-14"/> Rajpal grew up in Hong Kong and at age 14 immigrated with her family to [[North York]] in [[Toronto]], Canada.<ref name="Coutts2010-10-28"/> She attended [[A. Y. Jackson Secondary School (Toronto)|A. Y. Jackson Secondary School]] where she took part in its [[Amnesty International]] club.<ref name="Coutts2010-10-28"/> Upon seeing Rajpal present to a crowded assembly hall, the vice principal requested that she deliver the school's morning broadcasts.<ref name="Coutts2010-10-28"/> Her guidance counsellor, who knew about her broadcasting work, recommended that she submit a college application to the radio and television arts program at [[Ryerson University]], which she attended.<ref name="Coutts2010-10-28"/>
Rajpal was born on 20 February 1974<ref name="Eckler2001-04-04">{{cite news|last=Eckler|first=Rebecca|date=2001-04-04|title=Former 'switchette' bound for CNN: Monita Rajpal lands coveted position with media giant|newspaper=[[National Post]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/50631755/national-post/|accessdate=2020-05-10|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510043441/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/50631755/national-post/|archivedate=2020-05-10|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref><ref name="Rajpal2019-02-20">{{cite tweet |last=Rajpal |first=Monita |user=MonitaRajpal |number=1098266278119292928 |date=2019-02-20 |title=Quite proud of the fact that my dearest friends are sending me Golden Girls gifs for my birthday. #goals |accessdate=2020-05-10 |archiveurl=https://archive.is/IpGGg |archivedate=2020-05-10 }}</ref><ref name="Rajpal2013-02-20">{{cite tweet |last=Rajpal |first=Monita |user=MonitaRajpal |number=304208094576144384 |date=2013-02-20 |title=Thank you all so much for the lovely birthday wishes! I wish I could reply to each of you. But I'm off to eat cake and celebrate! |accessdate=2020-05-10 |archiveurl=https://archive.is/CTEyr |archivedate=2020-05-10 }}</ref><ref name="Rajpal2013-02-19">{{cite tweet |last=Rajpal |first=Monita |user=MonitaRajpal |number=303789290759000064 |date=2013-02-19 |title=“@cvillanueva18 : @MonitaRajpalCNN Happy Birthday :)” thank you but it's not till tomorrow. |accessdate=2020-05-10 |archiveurl=https://archive.is/c54Sm |archivedate=2020-05-10 }}</ref> in Hong Kong to "a Chinese mother of Indian origin and an Indian father".<ref name="Sarkar2007-04-14">{{cite news|last=Sarkar|first=John|date=2007-04-14|title=Seeking cultures|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/seeking-cultures/articleshow/1907416.cms|accessdate=2020-05-10|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510045345/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/seeking-cultures/articleshow/1907416.cms|archivedate=2020-05-10}}</ref> Her maternal grandfather moved from [[Punjab]] to [[Shanghai]] at 16 years old. Her mother was raised in Shanghai and became an electronics company executive.<ref name="Bohwongprasert2013-05-07">{{cite news|last=Bohwongprasert|first=Yvonne|date=2013-05-07|title=Firmly Anchored: CNN International's Monita Rajpal has the confidence and experience needed to spearhead two flagship shows|newspaper=[[Bangkok Post]]|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/348735/firmly-anchored|accessdate=2020-05-10|archiveurl=https://archive.is/lvWxF|archivedate=2020-05-10}}</ref> Rajpal is [[Sikh]]<ref name="Giles2007-07-26">{{cite news |last=Giles |first=Lee |date=2007-07-26 |title=Sikh names policy must go |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/50632065/red-deer-advocate/ |newspaper=[[Red Deer Advocate]] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |accessdate=2020-05-10 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510044253/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/50632065/red-deer-advocate/ |archivedate=2020-05-10 }}</ref> and has a brother.<ref name="Sarkar2007-04-14"/> Rajpal grew up in Hong Kong and at age 14 immigrated with her family to [[North York]] in [[Toronto]], Canada.<ref name="Coutts2010-10-28">{{cite news|last=Coutts|first=Matthew|date=2010-10-28|title=Monita Rajpal: From a T.O. reception desk to CNN's anchor chair, this cable news icon dishes on landing her dream job and growing up in North York|work=TRNTO|publisher=Post City Magazines|url=https://trnto.com/monita-rajpal/|accessdate=2020-05-10|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510101654/https://trnto.com/monita-rajpal/|archivedate=2020-05-10}}</ref> She attended [[A. Y. Jackson Secondary School (Toronto)|A. Y. Jackson Secondary School]] where she took part in its [[Amnesty International]] club.<ref name="Coutts2010-10-28"/> Upon seeing Rajpal present to a crowded assembly hall, the vice principal requested that she deliver the school's morning broadcasts.<ref name="Coutts2010-10-28"/> Her guidance counsellor, who knew about her broadcasting work, recommended that she submit a college application to the radio and television arts program at [[Ryerson University]], which she attended.<ref name="Coutts2010-10-28"/>


Her parents had wanted her to be a physician.<ref name="Eckler2001-04-04"/> Her uncle worked at [[RTHK]]. Her mother listened to radio news broadcasts on the radio all day which introduced Rajpal to the news business.<ref name="Bohwongprasert2013-05-07"/> She is fluent in [[Cantonese]], [[English language|English]], [[French language|French]], and [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]].<ref name="Walunjkar2004-08-17"/><ref name="Bohwongprasert2013-05-07"/> Rajpal said her [[pop icon]]s are the band [[U2]], the architect [[Frank Gehry]], the artist [[Damien Hirst]], and [[Oprah Winfrey]].<ref name="Taneja2010-09-25"/>
Her parents had wanted her to be a physician.<ref name="Eckler2001-04-04"/> Her uncle worked at [[RTHK]]. Her mother listened to radio news broadcasts on the radio all day which introduced Rajpal to the news business.<ref name="Bohwongprasert2013-05-07"/> She is fluent in [[Cantonese]], [[English language|English]], [[French language|French]], and [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]].<ref name="Walunjkar2004-08-17">{{cite news|last=Walunjkar|first=Somashukla Sinha|date=2004-08-17|title=CNN's Indian link: Life as a TV anchor requires stamina. But then if you want to achieve something, you have to give your job your best, says Monita Rajpal.|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/cnn-s-indian-link/story-eI2YC64AgryqCN7SjuTvFJ.html|accessdate=2020-05-10|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510044938/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/cnn-s-indian-link/story-eI2YC64AgryqCN7SjuTvFJ.html|archivedate=2020-05-10}}</ref><ref name="Bohwongprasert2013-05-07"/>


Rajpal resides in [[Wiltshire]] in [[South West England]] with her husband and their son.<ref name="Rajpal2020">{{cite web |last=Rajpal |first=Monita |date=2020 |title=Monita Rajpal About |url=http://www.monitarajpal.com/about.html |publisher=Monita Rajpal |accessdate=2020-05-10 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510104126/http://www.monitarajpal.com/about.html |archivedate=2020-05-10 }}</ref> She blogs on her news and lifestyle blog, The Citrine Room.<ref name="Rajpal2020"/>
Rajpal resides in [[South West England]] with her husband and their son.<ref name="Rajpal2020">{{cite web |last=Rajpal |first=Monita |date=2020 |title=Monita Rajpal About |url=http://www.monitarajpal.com/about.html |publisher=Monita Rajpal |accessdate=2020-05-10 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510104126/http://www.monitarajpal.com/about.html |archivedate=2020-05-10 }}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 41: Line 28:
==External links==
==External links==
{{commonscat}}
{{commonscat}}
* [http://monitarajpal.com/ Personal website]
* [http://monitarajpal.com/ MonitaRajpal.com]
* [https://ww.thecitrineroom.com The Citrine Room]
* [http://www.cnn.com/CNN/anchors_reporters/rajpal.monita.html CNN profile of Monita Rajpal]


{{CNN International personalities|state=collapsed}}
{{CNN International personalities|state=collapsed}}

Revision as of 13:56, 7 September 2020

File:The Citrine Room.jpg

Monita Rajpal (born 20 February 1974) is an independent journalist and blogger. She is a former Anchor at CNN International.

At CNN, she anchored CNN Today, World One, the art programmes Art of Life and Icon, CNN NewsCenter, and TalkAsia. She worked for CNN between 2001 and 2014, first in Atlanta at the CNN Center, next in London, and finally in Hong Kong. Since leaving CNN, she founded The Citrine Room, a news and lifestyle blog, a collection of original and curated content focusing on stories that challenge the way we think, live, and work.

Career

Monita Rajpal is an independent journalist and blogger with over twenty years experience working in television news. She is most well known for her work at CNN where for 14 years she was part of award-winning coverage anchoring some of the biggest stories of the last two decades including 9/11, the Asian Tsunami, the London bombings, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the trial of Saddam Hussein, the Arab Spring, Britain’s Royal Wedding, and the London Olympics. In her time at CNN she anchored the network’s flagship breakfast show in London and a prime time news programme in Hong Kong.

Described as a “true talent” by Pharell Williams and “brilliant” by Tom Ford, Rajpal has interviewed numerous celebrities and newsmakers, including Mikhael Gorbachev, Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan, former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres, & Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto. She also specialized in the business of the luxury industry, hosting a series of programs where she interviewed the CEOs of LVMH, Kering, Cartier, Chopard, Tag Heuer, Salvatore Ferragamo, Boucheron, amongst others.

Rajpal hosted her own talk show ‘Talk Asia with Monita Rajpal’ where she interviewed the biggest names in politics, fashion, sport, music, film, design, and more such as Stella McCartney, Roger Federer, Manchester City Captain Vincent Kompany, Cate Blanchett, Vin Diesel, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, the acclaimed architects Cecil Balmond and Thomas Heatherwick, to name just a few.

Monita has reported from and hosted shows around the world including the Great Wall of China, Kazakhstan, Havana, the Academy Awards in Hollywood, London’s Westminster Abbey, Kuala Lumpur, Rajasthan India, St. Petersburg Russia, Berlin, Paris, and Milan. She has also published numerous articles for various print and online publications including: CNN.com.

Today, Monita works on her news and lifestyle blog,  The Citrine Room, a collection of original and curated pieces reflecting her passion for news and issues that champion racial diversity, mental health, explore psychology, mindfulness, and self-growth, as well as stories that challenge conventional ways of thinking and being.

Personal life

Rajpal was born on 20 February 1974[1][2][3][4] in Hong Kong to "a Chinese mother of Indian origin and an Indian father".[5] Her maternal grandfather moved from Punjab to Shanghai at 16 years old. Her mother was raised in Shanghai and became an electronics company executive.[6] Rajpal is Sikh[7] and has a brother.[5] Rajpal grew up in Hong Kong and at age 14 immigrated with her family to North York in Toronto, Canada.[8] She attended A. Y. Jackson Secondary School where she took part in its Amnesty International club.[8] Upon seeing Rajpal present to a crowded assembly hall, the vice principal requested that she deliver the school's morning broadcasts.[8] Her guidance counsellor, who knew about her broadcasting work, recommended that she submit a college application to the radio and television arts program at Ryerson University, which she attended.[8]

Her parents had wanted her to be a physician.[1] Her uncle worked at RTHK. Her mother listened to radio news broadcasts on the radio all day which introduced Rajpal to the news business.[6] She is fluent in Cantonese, English, French, and Punjabi.[9][6]

Rajpal resides in South West England with her husband and their son.[10]

References

  1. ^ a b Eckler, Rebecca (4 April 2001). "Former 'switchette' bound for CNN: Monita Rajpal lands coveted position with media giant". National Post. Archived from the original on 10 May 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ Rajpal, Monita [@MonitaRajpal] (20 February 2019). "Quite proud of the fact that my dearest friends are sending me Golden Girls gifs for my birthday. #goals" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 10 May 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2020 – via Twitter.
  3. ^ Rajpal, Monita [@MonitaRajpal] (20 February 2013). "Thank you all so much for the lovely birthday wishes! I wish I could reply to each of you. But I'm off to eat cake and celebrate!" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 10 May 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2020 – via Twitter.
  4. ^ Rajpal, Monita [@MonitaRajpal] (19 February 2013). ""@cvillanueva18 : @MonitaRajpalCNN Happy Birthday :)" thank you but it's not till tomorrow" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 10 May 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2020 – via Twitter.
  5. ^ a b Sarkar, John (14 April 2007). "Seeking cultures". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 10 May 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
  6. ^ a b c Bohwongprasert, Yvonne (7 May 2013). "Firmly Anchored: CNN International's Monita Rajpal has the confidence and experience needed to spearhead two flagship shows". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 10 May 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
  7. ^ Giles, Lee (26 July 2007). "Sikh names policy must go". Red Deer Advocate. Archived from the original on 10 May 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ a b c d Coutts, Matthew (28 October 2010). "Monita Rajpal: From a T.O. reception desk to CNN's anchor chair, this cable news icon dishes on landing her dream job and growing up in North York". TRNTO. Post City Magazines. Archived from the original on 10 May 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
  9. ^ Walunjkar, Somashukla Sinha (17 August 2004). "CNN's Indian link: Life as a TV anchor requires stamina. But then if you want to achieve something, you have to give your job your best, says Monita Rajpal". Hindustan Times. Press Trust of India. Archived from the original on 10 May 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
  10. ^ Rajpal, Monita (2020). "Monita Rajpal About". Monita Rajpal. Archived from the original on 10 May 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
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