Sampada Sharma is a distinguished Copy Editor and veteran entertainment journalist currently leading high-impact digital coverage for The Indian Express Online. With over seven years of specialised experience in the media industry, she has established herself as an authoritative voice in Hindi cinema, blending archival research with contemporary cultural analysis.

Experience & Career

Since joining The Indian Express in 2017, Sampada has been instrumental in shaping the publication’s entertainment vertical. Her career trajectory is marked by a transition from core news desk operations to specialised editorial roles, where she now oversees long-form features and digital strategy for the entertainment section. Beyond her editorial duties, she is a recognised multimedia creator, notably serving as the host of the popular podcast Movie Police, where she deconstructs the nuances of Indian and international cinema.

Expertise & Focus Areas

Sampada’s reporting is characterised by a rigorous, research-heavy approach that bridges the gap between Bollywood’s 'Golden Age' and modern streaming trends. Her core areas of expertise include:

Archival Cinema Research: Unearthing and contextualising the histories of legendary figures like Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, and Meena Kumari. Pop Culture Analysis: Examining the sociopolitical impact of iconic films (e.g., DDLJ, Sholay) and their lasting influence on Indian society. Multimedia Storytelling: Producing and hosting podcasts that de-jargonise film theory for a mainstream audience. International Streaming Trends: Curating and reviewing global web series with an emphasis on narrative structure and production value. Authoritativeness & Trust

With nearly a decade of experience at one of India’s most respected news organisations, Sampada has earned a reputation for journalistic integrity and "Journalism of Courage." Her work is frequently cited for its ability to provide exclusive historical context to trending news, such as her deep dives into the personal and professional legacies of cinema icons. Readers trust her incisive commentary because it is rooted in verifiable facts and a profound understanding of the cinematic craft, moving beyond mere celebrity gossip to deliver substantive cultural reporting.

Find all stories by Sampada Sharma here.