YTC Ventures | TECHNOCRAT MAGAZINE | CAMPSUGGEST – Cloud Media | www.ytcventures.com
6 Jan 2026
In the fast-evolving landscape of Indian digital media, The Lallantop stands out as a trailblazer in Hindi-language journalism and entertainment. Launched in 2016, it has grown into one of India’s most popular online platforms, known for its conversational style, in-depth political coverage, and viral content. With over 24 million YouTube subscribers and a massive audience reach, The Lallantop has redefined how news is consumed in regional languages.
However, recent developments have thrust it into the spotlight: Founding Editor Saurabh Dwivedi announced announced his resignation on January 5, 2026, after 12 years with the India Today Group, marking the end of an era. This analysis explores The Lallantop’s ownership, business model, market entry, funding, operations, workforce, asset base, and financial health, culminating in the implications of Dwivedi’s departure.
Media Owners: Backed by the India Today Empire
The Lallantop is owned by the India Today Group (ITG), a media conglomerate founded in 1975 by Aroon Purie. ITG operates under Living Media India Limited, with TV Today Network Limited (TVTN) as its listed entity handling broadcasting and digital arms. The Purie family holds majority control, with Aroon Purie as Chairman and his daughter Kalli Purie as Vice Chairperson.
This ownership structure ties The Lallantop to established brands like Aaj Tak, India Today, and Good News Today. While initially launched without overt branding as an ITG product to avoid biases, its affiliation with the group has provided stability and resources. Critics have occasionally labeled it as part of “Godi media” due to the group’s perceived alignments, but The Lallantop maintains a distinct, youth-oriented voice.
Business Model: Digital-First Monetization
The Lallantop’s revenue model revolves around digital advertising, sponsored content, and platform partnerships, primarily through YouTube and its website. As a fully funded subsidiary of TVTN, it benefits from the parent’s ad ecosystem, including programmatic ads, branded videos, and events. Key streams include:
- YouTube Monetization: With billions of views, ad revenue from Google’s platform forms a core pillar. It hit 10 million subscribers in 2019 and has since expanded to over 24 million.
- Branded Content and Sponsorships: Collaborations with brands for native ads and promotional videos.
- Digital Ads: Display, video, and affiliate marketing on thelallantop.com.
- Events and Merchandise: Live shows and merchandise sales add supplementary income.
Unlike independent startups, it avoids subscription walls, focusing on free access to build a massive user base of 99 million across platforms. This model prioritizes engagement over paywalls, aligning with India’s ad-driven media market.
Market Entry: A Bold Launch in 2016
The Lallantop entered the market in 2016 amid a digital news boom in India, capitalizing on rising smartphone penetration and YouTube’s growth. Backed by the India Today Group, it was positioned as a fresh, irreverent alternative to traditional Hindi news channels. Saurabh Dwivedi, who joined India Today in 2013, spearheaded the initiative, drawing from his experience at Aaj Tak. Early strategies included sensational, clickbait-style content to farm traffic and build virality.
This helped it gain traction quickly, reaching 1 million YouTube subscribers by 2018 and 10 million by 2019. By focusing on relatable storytelling, regional dialects, and political deep dives, it carved a niche in language journalism, raising the bar for competitors.
Initial Funding: Internal Backing from TV Today Network
As a digital extension of the India Today Group, The Lallantop received no external venture funding; it was bootstrapped internally by TVTN. Launched with resources from the parent company, including staff, infrastructure, and marketing support, this allowed rapid scaling without investor pressures.
TVTN’s financials show investments in digital assets, with no separate disclosures for The Lallantop’s initial outlay. This “unfunded” status (no VC rounds) contrasts with independent platforms, enabling focus on long-term growth over quick exits.
Operations: Agile, Content-Driven Machine
The Lallantop operates as a digital-first entity from Noida, India, emphasizing video content, podcasts, and articles. Its style blends infotainment with serious journalism, covering politics, culture, and viral trends. Key operations include:
- Content Creation: Daily videos, live streams, and fact-checks.
- Distribution: Heavy reliance on YouTube, Instagram, and its app/website.
- Team Structure: Editorial led by anchors like Dwivedi (until recently), with sub-editors, producers, and sales teams.
- Innovation: Use of AI for personalization and collaborations with influencers.
It has amassed billions of views, leveraging ITG’s network for cross-promotion.
Total Manpower and Assets Base
As part of TV Today Network, The Lallantop’s operations are integrated into the larger group. TVTN employs around 2,189 people as of March 31, 2025, down from the previous year due to efficiency drives. Estimates for The Lallantop specifically indicate 51-200 dedicated staff focused on digital content.
The asset base is reflected in TVTN’s financials: Total assets stood at ₹1,133.75 crore as of March 2025, including tangible assets like studios and intangible assets such as digital rights. Digital investments, including platforms like The Lallantop, form a growing portion of non-current assets.
Balance Sheet Analysis: Steady but Challenged Growth
TV Today Network’s balance sheet (consolidated, in ₹ crore) provides insight into the financial health supporting The Lallantop. The company has maintained a debt-free status, with strong liquidity from cash equivalents. However, reserves dipped slightly amid market pressures, and total assets grew modestly. Key analysis points:
- Equity Strength: Shareholders’ funds at ₹891.54 crore, indicating retained earnings focus.
- Liability Management: Low non-current liabilities, with current liabilities stable.
- Asset Efficiency: Current assets dominate, driven by receivables and cash, but fixed assets declined due to depreciation.
- Trends: Post-COVID recovery slowed; FY25 shows cautious growth amid ad market volatility.
| Category | Mar 25 | Mar 24 | Mar 23 | Change FY24-25 (%) | Analysis Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Shareholders Funds | 891.54 | 867.42 | 828.46 | +2.78 | Steady growth via profits; no dilution. |
| Total Non-Current Liabilities | 15.99 | 27.33 | 32.21 | -41.49 | Reduced provisions signal efficiency. |
| Total Current Liabilities | 226.22 | 232.60 | 213.03 | -2.74 | Stable payables; low short-term debt. |
| Total Assets | 1,133.75 | 1,127.35 | 1,073.70 | +0.57 | Modest expansion; cash up 9.5%. |
| Fixed Assets | 152.25 | 196.50 | 215.48 | -22.52 | Depreciation on intangibles; digital shift. |
| Cash & Equivalents | 273.13 | 249.47 | 63.61 | +9.49 | Strong liquidity for digital investments. |
Overall, TVTN’s net worth supports.
The Lallantop’s operations, but declining employee numbers and asset depreciation highlight cost controls in a competitive ad landscape.
Saurabh Dwivedi’s Resignation: End of an Era After 12 Years
On January 5, 2026, Saurabh Dwivedi, the 41-year-old founding editor, announced his exit from The Lallantop and India Today Hindi via social media. After joining in 2013 and building The Lallantop from scratch, his departure comes amid speculation of new ventures. Dwivedi expressed gratitude and hinted at a brief hiatus. Kuldeep Mishra, a veteran journalist, will lead the editorial team.
This move follows other exits, suggesting a talent churn. Analysts see it as a potential pivot for The Lallantop, but Dwivedi’s legacy of innovative storytelling remains intact.
The Lallantop’s journey reflects the highs of digital media innovation and the challenges of sustainability. As it navigates this transition, its ability to retain audience loyalty will be key in India’s crowded news space.
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