Beyond Spotlight: Mia Lakra’s Lessons in Media & Life
Times of Bennett | Updated: Oct 05, 2025 17:58
Correspondent: Aakanksha Shree
Photojournalist: Avni Rai
Does confidence decide your success in the field of media? This was the focus idea in the guest lecture for PG Diploma in TV & Journalism students, with Ms.Mia Lakra on 1st October, 2025. The former contestant of Splitsvilla 2, now associated with TV9 Network
shared her career journey and insights with the bright minds. She was accompanied byDr Tilak Jha , faculty member, TSOM , and Mr Dhiraj Singh, Deputy Dean, TSOM, to the TV Studio. The session commenced with a briefing from Dr Tilak Jha about Mia, who is described as having a fierce and confident personality.
Ms. Lakra emphasised that confidence and mental strength are an integral part of the field of journalism and media. “Confidence comes from family. If you’re not getting it, ask for it,” she said, reminding the budding minds that people in this field often judge and mentally challenge you every day. As she mentioned in her piece of advice, witty answers and self-assurance remain vital to survival in media careers.
Encouraging students to be strategic, she advised them to choose niches with less competition in today’s competitive world. “ I chose mine in lifestyle and fashion,” she urged the students to experiment, but only with proper research, and ensure their work leaves an identifiable footprint even without their name attached.
Talking about her career, Lakra revealed how she transformed her childhood weakness into her strength, “My skin tone was once my weakness, but I worked on myself and turned it into a plus point for me. Afterwards, auditions, splitsvilla, and recognition followed my way. People notice your nature more than anything, so keep yourself grounded and humble.”
On career growth, she highlighted the importance of networking and PR: “Link leads and PR can do wonders for you and your career.” She also shared that journalism today extends way beyond just writing and creating shows, into marketing and PR and other related areas. While she admitted that reading is slightly behind in this fast-paced digital world.Ms Lakra stressed clarity of purpose, patience and resilience. On asking about the mantra she sticks by when it comes to career, she added, “Never give up. If needed, restart, even from scratch.”
The session concluded with a relay interview activity for the PGD Students, providing them a chance to interact directly. Ms Lakra’s lecture was not just a session with an industry expert but a guide to build confidence and identity.
The writer is a second-year BA Mass Communication student. She is passionate about journalism and reporting, with a special interest in international relations and geopolitics. In her free time, she loves to write poetry and explore stories that connect everyday experiences with larger global narratives.
Photojournalist: Avni Rai
Does confidence decide your success in the field of media? This was the focus idea in the guest lecture for PG Diploma in TV & Journalism students, with Ms.
shared her career journey and insights with the bright minds. She was accompanied by
Ms. Lakra emphasised that confidence and mental strength are an integral part of the field of journalism and media. “Confidence comes from family. If you’re not getting it, ask for it,” she said, reminding the budding minds that people in this field often judge and mentally challenge you every day. As she mentioned in her piece of advice, witty answers and self-assurance remain vital to survival in media careers.
Encouraging students to be strategic, she advised them to choose niches with less competition in today’s competitive world. “ I chose mine in lifestyle and fashion,” she urged the students to experiment, but only with proper research, and ensure their work leaves an identifiable footprint even without their name attached.
On career growth, she highlighted the importance of networking and PR: “Link leads and PR can do wonders for you and your career.” She also shared that journalism today extends way beyond just writing and creating shows, into marketing and PR and other related areas. While she admitted that reading is slightly behind in this fast-paced digital world.
The writer is a second-year BA Mass Communication student. She is passionate about journalism and reporting, with a special interest in international relations and geopolitics. In her free time, she loves to write poetry and explore stories that connect everyday experiences with larger global narratives.
