In the ever-accelerating universe of technology journalism, where every new device is launched with thunderous marketing and dissected within minutes by a million online voices, few figures command the quiet authority of Rajiv Makhni. For over two decades, this ace tech journalist has been one of India’s most recognizable interpreters of innovation, transforming what was once an intimidating, jargon-heavy subject into a language millions could understand.
When Makhni entered the profession, technology journalism in India was still a niche domain confined to specialized magazines read largely by enthusiasts and engineers. The tone was often instructive, even intimidating. Television amplified this shift dramatically. With *Gadget Guru*, he helped pioneer one of the world’s earliest TV shows dedicated entirely to consumer technology—a concept that initially puzzled even seasoned broadcasters—cementing his reputation as India’s most trusted tech voice. When *Outlook Luxe* sat down for a tête-à-tête with Rajiv Makhni, the conversation moved effortlessly from childhood curiosity to the evolving ethics of modern tech journalism, revealing a storyteller who remains as fascinated by innovation as the curious child who once dismantled a toy car just to understand the magic inside.
Looking Back at Your Early Years: What Sparked Your Fascination with Technology?
“It is actually completely curiosity,” he begins with a twinkle in his eye. “I’ll tell you a very small, interesting story. This is a story my mother tells me. When I was about 3 or 4 years old, my father went to Singapore and brought back a high-tech remote-controlled car for my brother, who was 8 at that time. We didn’t have fancy toys back then, so my brother and I played with it for a few minutes. The next day, when he went to school, I opened the toy instead of playing with it. Curiosity was my driving force.”
The Challenges of Early Technology Journalism
Makhni reflects on the challenges faced when he began his career, noting, “When I started off, the only kind of tech journalism in India was in niche magazines like *PC World* and *Electronics 4 You.*” These publications were written by tech enthusiasts who often spoke down to the readers. “Real technology journalism started when we created a show like *Gadget Guru.* I started writing for magazines and newspapers from the perspective of a user. My approach was about how I would buy a product, how I would use it, and what my experiences would be.”
Convincing editors and audiences that technology deserved serious storytelling was challenging. “Many people said I was dumbing technology down. But I was writing from a user’s perspective, which made it interesting for people.” He recalls Prannoy Roy of NDTV asking him if he would have enough content to fill a 30-minute show each week. “At that time—around 2005—a phone was launched once every six months. Today, to fill one show, we have 80-90 product launches in a week.”
The Impact of Television on Technology Engagement
Rajiv Makhni was surprised to learn that his show was one of the first of its kind globally. “We didn’t even know it at the time; we were just following our passion.” The show created a dialogue about gadgets that had never existed before. Audiences were surprised to find a show dedicated to technology that provided insights into buying decisions: “It was a refreshing change. *Gadget Guru* was a hit from week one and for 16 years was number one in TRP for lifestyle shows. We never looked back.”
A Defining Moment in Consumer Perception
Makhni recounts a pivotal story that helped shape consumer perception. “We did a feature on printer costs. At the time, printer ink was incredibly expensive—3,000 rupees for just 50 ml. We called it ‘black gold.’ This opened people’s eyes. We faced major backlash from printer companies, but we emphasized that this was important to discuss.” This moment was crucial, as it shifted the narrative from merely reviewing products to discussing broader industry practices.
“We went to a neighborhood place and found that it was possible to refill cartridges for a fraction of the price,” he continues. “Quality was fine. This was a wake-up call for both consumers and companies.” Makhni’s work went beyond simple gadget reviews; it became a platform for informing, educating, and empowering consumers. Through his storytelling and insights, he not only reshaped technology journalism in India but also altered how consumers perceived and interacted with technology itself.
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