New Delhi, Jan 15 (Agencies): Senior journalist Barkha Dutt has resigned as Consulting Editor of NDTV. According to reports, she is likely to start her own venture. In an official statement issued, NDTV appreciated her long-time association with the channel and wished her all the best for her future.

Dutt rose to prominence in journalism for her fearless coverage of Kargil war in 1999. She later became the face of NDTV’s programme We The People. She has won many national and international awards, including the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian honour.

However, her stint with NDTV was also marred by controversy as she figured in the controversial Radia tapes. She was also criticised for her coverage of 26/11 attacks when she reported from Taj Mahal Hotel and Oberoi Trident. She was blamed for putting lives at risk and causing deaths by identifying on live television where the hotel guests might be located.

Announcing her decision on Facebook, she said, "A new year means that new beginnings beckon. After a great two decades at NDTV I will be moving on to explore new opportunities, diversify my interests and build my own multi media content and events company as well as special projects. It's been an eventful and super ride at NDTV with an Emmy Nomination among the multiple awards capping a wonderful journey. I am especially proud of We The People the last episode of which I hosted today - at sixteen years it's the longest running show on Indian TV. But am hugely excited about the many adventures that await me. And I now count on everyone's best wishes for my next new and wonderful innings. Excited... wish me luck !!"

NDTV statement

"In 1995, Barkha Dutt joined NDTV straight out of college, and now, after 21 wonderful years together, Barkha has requested that she would like to explore some new opportunities, pursue other interests and work on her own ventures.

"In all her years with NDTV, she has been hugely productive and has grown with the organisation, becoming an acclaimed, award-winning journalist of repute across India and many parts of the world. We are certain that Barkha will go from strength to strength and NDTV wishes her all the very best."