Wiki, Age, Family, Biography, & More M. J. Akbar Wikigraphy

M. J. Akbar, a prominent Indian figure, boasts a multifaceted career spanning journalism and politics. His journey, marked by significant achievements and controversies, offers a compelling look into Indian public life.

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Biography/Wiki

Mobashar Jawed Akbar, born on January 11, 1951, into a Bihari family, has a fascinating family history detailed in his book, “Blood Brothers – A Family Saga.” His grandfather, originally Hindu, converted to Islam after being raised by a Muslim couple following a communal riot.

Family

Born to Shri Sheikh Akbar Ali and Shrimati Imtiaz Akbar in Telinipara, West Bengal, M. J. Akbar has one sibling, a sister named Gazala Akbar Sharma. In 1975, he married Mallika Joseph Akbar, a fellow journalist at The Times of India. They have two children: a son, Prayaag Jawad Akbar, and a daughter, Mukulika, who studied law at Jesus College, Cambridge.

Career

Akbar’s education included Calcutta Boys’ School and Presidency College, Calcutta, where he earned a BA (Hons.) in English. His journalistic career began as an intern at The Times of India in 1971. He later worked at The Illustrated Weekly of India and then at the Ananda Bazar Patrika (ABP) Group, where he edited The Sunday.

His accomplishments include launching India’s first modern newspaper, The Telegraph, and later, The Asian Age. He ventured into politics in 1989, serving as a Member of Parliament. He also held various government positions and even served as a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution.

His political career included roles within the Indian National Congress and later, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), where he served as a national spokesperson and as Minister of State for External Affairs.

Controversies

In 2018, Akbar faced multiple accusations of sexual harassment from several women. These allegations, including those from journalists Priya Ramani and Ghazala Wahab, led to his resignation as Minister of State for External Affairs.

Salary/Net Worth

In his time as a Member of Parliament, M. J. Akbar’s reported salary was ?50,000 per month, with additional constituency allowances of ?45,000. His net worth, as reported in 2016, was significantly higher.