Prior to joining CNN, Rao worked as a producer and reporter at Hong Kong's Wharf Cable Television and at the Seven Network in Melbourne, Australia. She went on to the principal news anchor role at Star TV where she won the top prize at the 2004 Amnesty International Human Rights Press Awards.
Prior to joining CNN, Rao had experience as a producer and reporter for Hong Kong's Wharf Cable Television and the Seven Network in Melbourne, Australia. She later became the principal news anchor at Star TV, where she received recognition with the top award from the 2004 Amnesty International Human Rights Press Awards.