Meet Namita Dogra Sudan | Journalist & UX\UI Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Namita Dogra Sudan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Namita Dogra, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
Honestly, for me, giving up isn’t really an option, I’ve never lived that way. However, I do believe there’s a significant difference between giving up and letting go. I’ve let go of things in my life, but I’ve never truly given up. Letting go happens when you’ve poured your heart and soul into something, given it your 100%, and it’s still not bringing the results you hoped for. At some point, you realize it’s time to move on. But that’s not the same as giving up; it’s about making space for something better. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, no matter what is your background, so it’s crucial to use that time wisely. When one thing doesn’t work out, I focus on the next opportunity and give it everything I’ve got, as if there’s no tomorrow.

One of my favorite quotes and life mantras is from Martin Luther King Jr.: “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving.” This philosophy has guided me through many challenges, reminding me that no matter the circumstances, progress is always possible as long as you keep moving forward.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My entertainment website Cine Chatter is more than just a website; it’s the culmination of a journey marked by determination, resilience, and a deep passion for storytelling. My path to creating Cine Chatter has been anything but conventional. I began my career as a TV anchor in India, a role I fought hard to achieve, especially coming from a middle-class family that initially hoped I’d pursue a career in medicine. With no background in media, I faced countless challenges, but my passion drove me to push through, and after years of dedication, I became one of the leading entertainment journalists in the country.

In 2013, I moved to the U.S. after getting married, leaving behind my successful career. As an immigrant on a visa, in which I was unable to work legally for several years. This was a difficult period for me. I’m ambitious and career-driven, so not being able to work was a huge challenge. However, instead of letting this setback define me, I used the time to learn new skills, including video editing, film production and eventually UX/UI design. I realized that storytelling could take many forms, and I was determined to find new ways to express my creativity. One of the major highlights of my journey was working on a music video with Grammy Award winning singer, Usher while pursuing my film production course. After receiving my work permit, I began working for NRI Pulse where I had the incredible opportunity to cover the White House, Miss Universe 2019, and interview senators, congressmen, movie stars, sports personalities, and more.

At the same time, I decided to apply my UX/UI design knowledge by creating something of my own, something that would merge my passion for journalism with my newly acquired design skills. And that’s how Cine Chatter was born. Cine Chatter offers a broad range of content, spanning news and insights from Indian cinema and Hollywood to the latest trends in the music and fashion industries. What truly sets it apart is the personal touch I bring to every piece of content, drawing on my years of experience as a journalist to craft stories that resonate with a diverse audience. Another standout feature is our Celebrity Style section, where we guide readers on how to “Dress Like a Star on a Budget.” Whether you want to capture Kim Kardashian’s style without breaking the bank, or emulate another celebrity’s look, we show you exactly how to make it happen.

What I want the world to know about Cine Chatter is that it’s born from a deep love of storytelling and a belief in the power of perseverance. It’s a reflection of my journey, one that started in the bustling newsrooms of India and evolved in the heart of Atlanta, where I’ve built a new life and career. My story is one of resilience, creativity, and the courage to reinvent oneself, and I hope that through Cine Chatter, I can inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter where their journey takes them.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Atlanta for a week, I’d ensure they experienced the best the city has to offer. We’d start with a visit to Stone Mountain, where we’d hike, take in the stunning views, and enjoy the breathtaking laser show and fireworks in the evening. The next day, we’d explore Midtown, beginning with a stroll through Piedmont Park and then heading to Ponce City Market for lunch, shopping, and rooftop amusement. A show at the historic Fox Theatre would cap off the day. We’d then spend time shopping and dining at Atlantic Station and Avalon, both offering a mix of great stores, restaurants, and a magical ambiance, especially during the holidays. A visit to Buckhead would include luxury shopping at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, and an elegant dinner at one of the area’s renowned restaurants. Must is the downtown Atlanta with visits to the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and revolving dinner experience at the Sun Dial Restaurant. Mid-week, we’d indulge in a delicious Indian lunch or dinner at Botiwalla in Ponce City Market or at Tabla, which offers a modern take on traditional Indian cuisine. Finally, we’d relax at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, exploring its beautiful themed gardens. For our last evening, I’d prefer to stay at home with my friend—drinking, eating, talking, and repeat.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my parents, who have always understood and supported my passions. I’m grateful to my father, who consistently took the time to discuss my ideas with me thoughtfully, understanding my motivations without any hesitation. On the other hand, in my view, when a woman gains recognition in the world, it’s often because the women of the previous generations have laid the foundation that allows her to succeed. My mother played an important role in shaping who I am today. The values she instilled in me and the guidance she provided have created a foundation that extends beyond just me. So, a special thanks to my mother for her unspoken yet profound impact on my life.

My second shoutout goes to my family – my husband, Rajat, and my daughter, Aarya. They are my pillars of strength. There’s a beautiful saying in the Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna advises that while you can fly high and explore as much as you want, it’s essential to have someone hold your string, keeping you grounded. For me, my family is that string, they keep me rooted and ensure I don’t lose myself in the wanderings of the world.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge my mentor and guide in the U.S., Ms. Veena Rao. She’s the founder and editor-in-chief of NRI Pulse and truly an inspiration. Whenever I find myself in a challenging situation, I often think about how she would handle it because she embodies a perfect blend of professionalism, calmness, and foresight. Even when I started my own website, Cine Chatter, and shared it with her, she was incredibly supportive and guided me every step of the way. She’s been running NRI Pulse, an Atlanta based news publication, for 20 years, with a digital presence for the past 15 years, and her experience has been invaluable to me.

Website: https://www.cinechatter.com

Instagram: insta.cinechatter

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/namita-dogra-sudan-40813855

Twitter: @CineChatter

Facebook: Cine Chatter

Youtube: @untoldstoriesbythefamous

Other: In addition to Cine Chatter, I also run a YouTube channel called “Untold Stories by the Famous.” It’s an interview-based platform where I have in-depth conversations with movie stars, TV presenters, anchors, reporters, and other notable personalities from the entertainment industry.