Offbeat: Megha Tata - Adrenaline junkie and undercover Yogi

In our constant endeavour to give our readers content that is a little ‘hatke’ from the trade media norm, Adgully has been coming out with Special sections like The W-Suite, Ad Land’s Young Guns, Spirit W and ‘Offbeat’. 

Our newest offering, ‘Offbeat’, seeks to give a glimpse of the lesser known facets of our very well-known industry leaders. We present, in the industry leaders’ own words, an interesting read on areas that are not usually highlighted in regular media coverage – be it about their childhood days, secret skills that they possess, how they unwind from their hectic schedules, and much more. 

Megha Tata, COO, Business Broadcast News, is a media veteran who has worked with major broadcasters in India – Star India, HBO, Turner, and now BTVi. She started her career with Dalmia Group, on its video magazine called India View. With the advent of satellite television, Tata shifted base from print media to television and joined Star TV just as it was entering India and before it was acquired by Rupert Murdoch.

How were you as a child and which childhood trait do you still possess?
I had a lovely childhood. Being an Air Force officer’s daughter, we kept moving from one city to the other every 2-3 years. Whilst as a kid I used to hate that as I had to say goodbye to my old friends and start making new friends all over again. In hindsight, I think that set the foundation for both me and my sister to be the strong individuals that we are today! In fact, making new friends is a trait I continue to have even now.  

Which superhero did you look up to as a kid and why? Which superhero power you wish you possessed?
My superhero is and has been my Mom! She is an inspiration to many women, actually men too! I wish I could be in more than one place at a time! 

What is your biggest fear and how do you face it?
Fear of the unknown! 

I face it by adhering to the fantastic advise given by Sadhguru: “What you know, you know. What you don’t know, you don’t know”. So, I try not fearing what I don’t know. 

A skill you possess that no one knows about?
I am an adventure and adrenaline junkie along with being an undercover Yogi! 

What would one find in your playlist?
Anything that makes me groove! 

Your go-to activity to relax?
An evening at the movies with my family, followed by quest for good food. 

What is the greatest lesson that you have learnt from life so far?
Life is the best teacher! And what I have learnt – never to expect anything from anybody! So if I do something, I do it because I want to without expecting anything in return. It’s the best learning for me, because now I am never disappointed. 

A social cause that you are most passionate about?
The last few years I have been deeply involved with Isha Foundation – a non-profit organisation started by Sadhguru. Isha Foundation is involved in many initiatives which are actually making a difference on the ground in the space of education and environment. It’s been the most gratifying experience for me. I have also had the privilege to meet such amazing people who are also volunteering, either partly like me or full time, which I hope to one day! 

What’s the one thing you would like to change about yourself?
At this point would like to change into my bike gear and go off on a long ride... 

If not ‎‎Chief Operating Officer at BTVi, what would you have been?
I would be ticking off another in my bucket list...