Ivana ChavezSangita Patel is one of the most engaging media personalities in Canadian television — seen on HGTV’s Home To Win and Entertainment Tonight Canada. In this exclusive interview, Sangita talks journalism, lifestyle, and her passions.
With a whopping 81,000 followers on social media, Sangita Patel surely has been recognized as a prominent figure in Canadian media. Sangita has also been featured in various TV shows and films, including one by Guillermo Del Toro. Juggling her busy life as a mother of two children, a wife, and a TV media personality, HOLR got up close and personal with Sangita Patel to chat about her career in journalism, her passions, and accomplishments.
HOLR: How did you get your start in broadcast journalism? What do you think made you stand out in such a competitive industry?
SP: I started in the industry when I was already working as an engineer, and decided to volunteer for a local lifestyle show on Rogers Television. From there I got an opportunity to work on The Weather Network, which was the perfect mix of science and media. Then I got a position at CityTV, and that’s when everything changed! I had an opportunity to tackle everything, from entertainment, to weather, to live eyes, and hosting. I think the one thing that made me stand out was the ability to adlib. I absolutely loved being live on-air.
HOLR: What do you love most about your job?
SP: I get to talk to people, and I believe if you talk to someone new you will learn something new. At ET Canada sometimes it means I get to talk to some of the world’s most high-profile celebs!
HOLR: What is an aspect of broadcast journalism that’s not glamorous?
SP: Travel. When you are on the road it tends to be get on a plane, get to the hotel, and do research for the junket interview, which may include a screening of a movie. Then do the interview and get back on a plane. Rarely do you truly get to enjoy the city you are visiting. No time for jetlag!
HOLR: Do you ever get starstruck? Who have you met that made you the most starstruck?
SP: I have actually. Helen Mirren walked into a room and she was cursing, and I thought she was the coolest person ever!
HOLR: What do you think your biggest professional accomplishment has been? Why?
SP: Good question. I don’t know. I think career wise is the fact that I get to host an incredible show on HGTV Canada called Home To Win where I get to give away a house, it’s insane. I’ve been doing that for three seasons in addition to my role on ET Canada and it’s been an amazing journey so far.
HOLR: Has health and fitness always been a big part of your life? What motivates you to live a healthy lifestyle?
SP: I’ve been active most of my life, but it wasn’t until my second child that I realized I needed to find myself again. I didn’t feel like myself anymore, and I found CrossFit which changed my body and mentality. It wasn’t about being skinny, but rather, becoming fit, and lifting heavy weights and gaining muscle will help me as I get older. And that’s a good thing for my kids, and my family.
HOLR: How do you like to use your platform? What causes are you most passionate about and why?
SP: I love to inspire. I keep my social media raw and real. I realized that over the last few years I have become a voice for the South Asian community and I take that responsibility serious. I want to inspire women and men to live a happy and healthy life. I also want people to know that yes you can invest in yourself and to always smile. I’m also a Canadian ambassador for the ONE campaign and I’m a big advocate of girls’ right to education.
HOLR: What is one thing you’d like to accomplish that you’ve yet to?
SP: There’s so much I want to do. I’m ambitious and I love to try new things all the time, but I’m keeping it a secret for now. Stay tuned!
Sangita Patel is surely a rising and vibrant TV personality — we definitely look forward to her future endeavours as she progresses throughout her career. To keep up with Sangita, follow her on instagram at@sangita.patel or learn more about her on her website www.thisissangitapatel.com
Watch Sangita live on ET Canada, airing weeknights at 7:30pm ET/7pm PT on Global Television.
For your daily dose of lifestyle, fashion, and culture, check us out on instagram @HOLRMagazine.