Veteran journalist Sushil Rao Chilkuri retires from The Times of India, Hyderabad, after 25 years, concluding a 38-year career across leading publications. Honoured with a commemorative farewell, he now looks forward to an entrepreneurial journey beginning February 1, embracing new opportunities beyond the newsroom with optimism and excitement.
On January 31, 2026, as the newsroom of The Times of India, Hyderabad, bid farewell to one of its most enduring voices, Sushil Rao Chilkuri stood at the threshold of a new chapter. After 38 years in journalism, 25 of them spent shaping stories and headlines at TOI, he retired with the same curiosity and energy that had first propelled him into the profession at the age of 20. The farewell was marked by warmth and respect, with colleagues presenting him a specially crafted commemorative news page that chronicled his journey, a symbolic gesture that captured the essence of a career dedicated to storytelling.
For Rao, journalism was never just a profession—it was a calling. His journey began in the early 1980s with Citizen’s Evening, a paper that gave him his first taste of the relentless pace of news. From there, he moved through the corridors of Deccan Chronicle, AP Times, and even contributed to Rediff-on-the-Net, one of India’s pioneering digital platforms. Each role added a new dimension to his craft, sharpening his instincts and broadening his perspective. He was also associated with The Guardian, a proposed newspaper project that reflected the dynamism of India’s media landscape at the time. These experiences laid the foundation for a career that would later find its most defining chapter at The Times of India.
When Rao joined TOI on May 15, 2000, the Hyderabad edition was still in its formative stage. By September 22 that year, the paper was launched, and Rao was at the heart of its evolution. Over the next two and a half decades, he became a fixture in the newsroom, known for his meticulous reporting, sharp editing, and ability to capture the pulse of the city. His work reflected not only the changing face of Hyderabad but also the broader shifts in Indian journalism, from print dominance to the rise of digital platforms. Through it all, Rao remained committed to the fundamentals of the craft—accuracy, clarity, and impact.
The farewell function on January 30 was more than a ritual; it was a celebration of legacy. Colleagues recalled his dedication, his ability to mentor younger journalists, and his knack for finding stories in the most unexpected places. The commemorative news page presented to him was both a tribute and a testament, encapsulating decades of headlines, features, and moments that had defined his career. For Rao, it was a deeply personal reminder of the lives he had touched and the stories he had told.
Yet, even as he looked back with pride, Rao’s gaze was firmly fixed on the future. Retirement, for him, is not an end but a beginning. “A whole new world is opening up after retirement, and I am excited about these new beginnings,” he said, reflecting the optimism that has always been his hallmark. From February 1, he embarks on an entrepreneurial journey, stepping into a space that promises fresh challenges and opportunities. While the specifics of his venture remain under wraps, the transition itself speaks volumes about his restless spirit and refusal to be confined by the past.
At 58, Rao embodies the idea that reinvention is possible at any stage of life. His decision to move into entrepreneurship is not just a personal milestone but also a broader commentary on the evolving role of journalists in society. In an era where media professionals are increasingly exploring avenues beyond traditional reporting—be it digital platforms, consulting, or creative enterprises—Rao’s journey reflects the adaptability and resilience that the profession demands. His entrepreneurial leap is likely to draw on the skills honed over decades: the ability to communicate, to understand audiences, and to craft narratives that resonate.
Looking back, Rao’s career is a microcosm of Indian journalism’s transformation over the last four decades. He witnessed the decline of evening papers, the consolidation of major dailies, the advent of online news, and the challenges posed by social media. Through it all, he remained steadfast, navigating change with a blend of pragmatism and passion. His association with multiple publications gave him a panoramic view of the industry, while his long tenure at TOI anchored him in the rhythms of Hyderabad’s news cycle. Few journalists can claim to have seen and shaped so much, across so many platforms.
As he steps away from the newsroom, Rao leaves behind not just a body of work but also a legacy of mentorship. Younger colleagues recall his generosity with time and advice, his insistence on precision, and his encouragement to pursue stories that mattered. In a profession often marked by deadlines and pressures, his presence was a reminder of the values that sustain journalism. The commemorative page gifted to him is, in many ways, a collective acknowledgment of this role—a recognition that his impact extended beyond the bylines.
The entrepreneurial path ahead is uncharted, but Rao’s confidence is unmistakable. Just as he once embraced the uncertainty of a fledgling career in journalism, he now embraces the unknown of business with the same spirit. For him, the essence of storytelling remains central, whether in the newsroom or in the marketplace. His journey is a reminder that retirement need not be a retreat; it can be a reinvention, a chance to rediscover oneself in new contexts.
On January 31, as the newsroom lights dimmed on his last day, Rao carried with him not just memories but momentum. The applause of colleagues, the pages of history, and the promise of tomorrow converged in that moment. For a man who has spent 38 years chronicling change, the greatest story now lies ahead—his own.
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