India - 

A true vagabond, Neha Dixit has the job that causes most people to look at her with much envy. She hosts “No Big Deal”, a travel show with NDTV Goodtimes.

Emaho spoke with Neha about her travels, her work and beyond.

From a breakfast show to jumping off planes… what’s life like for you?

Like there’s still so much more to do and such little time.

How far back does your passion for travel go?

As far as I can remember…

How did you get here?

I joined NDTV when it was a production house as a production assistant. I was also anchoring part of the Breakfast Show that we produced for Star Plus back then. It really has been moving from that to entertainment news, live shows and features to finally long format with NDTV Good Times. For me it’s really been about learning the ropes of television.

What has been your most exhilarating experience?

Air, water, land: all three are such different experiences and every landscape brings with it new excitement but any sport that is silent and pollution free is the most exciting; so perhaps scuba diving and paragliding.

How has travelling changed your outlook towards life?

It opens up a whole new world of possibilities and teaches you it’s never ever too late! Most importantly it has made me grateful for every opportunity I get.

Which are your favourite places to visit?

In India: The mountains no doubt! The people, the walks, the flowers, the clean air, the day dreams, the long lazy afternoons… I can go on and on! Abroad? Ireland: I love the people, the literature, the landscapes, the stout, and the laughs. I just got back from Czech Republic not too long ago and haven’t recovered yet. But every single new destination has such a unique charm that it’s hard to point out one.

What motivated you to produce the internationally acclaimed documentary “Warrior tribes of Nagaland”? (It won the Intermedia Globe Gold Award for best Documentary Travel at the World Media Festival, Hamburg, Germany.)

Some places just work as a magnet for you. I love people of the land, their ways, their lives and their stories and Nagaland is a treasure trove of all of that and more.

You have hand fed sharks, played with a red tailed python, dived with sea turtles and been chased by tiger cubs. What was it like being up close with some dangerous creatures?

I’m just so in awe of all these animals and their behaviour that most times I almost forget to be scared.

What has been the highlight point of your journey as a travel show host so far?

Travelling, producing and writing them.

What’s next for Neha Dixit?

More travel.

How does someone like me go about becoming a travel show host?

Talk to my channel head.

Having worked in all aspects of journalism, what is the appeal with sticking to travel?

I love to discover new places and cultures and like you said earlier, if you are getting paid for it…no reason to leave.

 What are your thoughts on EMAHO and what we are trying to achieve? What would your advice to us be?

It’s super! Advice? Always scratch the surface and tell stories about what can easily go unnoticed but truly makes the spirit of a place.

Pictures by : Neha Dixit – Anchor/Producer – NDTV Good Times. 
Anchor for the travel show – ‘No Big Deal!’ 

Interviewed by – Karan Khosla