Shazia Ilmi is a prominent Indian politician and social activist, previously known for her career in journalism at Star News. Her journey from journalist to politician has been marked by both significant achievements and notable controversies.
Wiki/Biography
Born on Thursday, April 2, 1970, in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Shazia Ilmi is a woman of diverse experiences. Her education journey took her from St. Mary’s School in Kanpur, to St. Bede’s College in Shimla for graduation, followed by Mass Communication at Jamia Milia Islamia University, Aligarh. She further honed her journalistic skills with a course in journalism and broadcasting at the University of Wales, Cardiff, and a diploma in 16mm film production at the New York Film Academy.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5′ 3″
- Weight (approx.): 60 Kg
- Hair Colour: Brown
- Eye Colour: Black
Family, Caste & Husband
Shazia Ilmi comes from a Muslim family. Her father, Maulana Ishaq Ilmi, founded the Kanpur-based Urdu newspaper, ‘Siyasat Jadid.’ Her mother’s name is Naushaba Ilmi. She has four brothers – Dr. Aijaz Ilmi (BJP spokesperson), Rashid Ilmi (politician), Irshad Ilmi, and one sister, Reshma Ilmi (married to former Union Cabinet Minister Arif Mohammed Khan). Shazia is the youngest. She is married to Sajid Mallik, a New Delhi-based investment banker and entrepreneur, who has Gujarati Muslim and Tamil Iyer heritage. They have one daughter.
Career
Shazia Ilmi’s career began in journalism, where she spent 15 years working in television news and documentary production. She hosted and produced the prime-time news show, ‘Desh Videsh,’ on Star News. Her work extended to producing and hosting several shows on current affairs and documentaries, often focusing on gender bias and the rights of minority groups. A member of the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT), she produced the film “P.O. 418 Siyasat Kanpur,” which documented the struggles of an Urdu newspaper. This film was screened at IAWRT and Kerala film festivals.
Her move into politics began with her role as a spokesperson for the India Against Corruption movement led by Anna Hazare. She joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), contesting the 2014 Lok Sabha elections in Ghaziabad but ultimately losing. After resigning from AAP in 2014, she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2015, eventually becoming their national spokesperson in 2021. She also served as the additional director of Engineers India Ltd (EIL).
Controversies
Shazia Ilmi’s career has not been without controversy. In 2013, a family property dispute led to her mother, Naushaba Ilmi, seeking police protection, alleging abuse. A 2014 video showing her making controversial remarks about Muslims and secularism caused a stir, with her party distancing itself from her comments. She also faced accusations of accepting funds for AAP through illegal means, following a sting operation, although the video’s authenticity was never confirmed.
Assets/Properties
In 2013, Shazia Ilmi’s assets were valued at ?4.42 crore, including jewelry valued at ?15 lakh.
Salary/Net Worth
Her net worth in 2013 was estimated at ?31.79 crore.
Signature
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Favourite Things
| Category | Preference |
|---|---|
| Actor | Ranbir Kapoor |
| Color | Black |
| Destination | Switzerland |
Facts
- Hobbies include reading and traveling.
- Resides at E-355, Greater Kailash II, New Delhi 110048.
- She was the first working woman in her family.
- Her family has connections to the Indian National Congress; her uncle served in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly for over 20 years.
- While a journalist, she hosted “Dr. Kans,” a show exposing doctors involved in female foeticide, resulting in license suspensions.
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