“Political journalism is about holding power accountable and amplifying the voices of citizens.” — Marya Shakil
Marya Shakil is an award‑winning Indian journalist and Managing Editor at India Today, known for her fearless political reporting and election coverage. She has anchored shows such as News Track, News Epicenter, and Reporters Project, and is recognized for her sharp analysis of government and politics. Shakil has won the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award twice, making her one of India’s most respected female journalists.
Timeline Overview
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1983 | Born in Patna, Bihar, India |
| Childhood | Raised in a political family; father Shakil Ahmad Khan was a legislator and minister |
| Education | Studied at Jamia Millia Islamia; earned Master of Arts degree |
| 2005 | Began career in journalism |
| 2012 | Won Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award for government and politics reporting |
| 2014 | Won second Ramnath Goenka Award for political coverage |
| 2013 | Married Irfan Khan; has one child |
| Present | Managing Editor at India Today, anchoring News Track and leading political coverage |
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marya Shakil |
| Birthdate | 1983 |
| Birthplace | Patna, Bihar, India |
| Age | 42–43 years (as of 2026) |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) |
| Ethnicity | Indian |
| Education | Jamia Millia Islamia – Master of Arts |
| Profession | Journalist, anchor |
| Employer | India Today |
| Known For | Political journalism, election coverage |
| Spouse | Irfan Khan (m. 2013) |
| Children | 1 |
| Awards | Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards (2012, 2014); News Television Award |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–2 million |
Early Life & Education
Marya Shakil was born in Patna, Bihar, into a politically active family. Her father, Shakil Ahmad Khan, was a legislator from Jehanabad district and served as a cabinet minister in the Rabri Devi government. Growing up in this environment gave her early exposure to politics and governance. She later studied at Jamia Millia Islamia, earning a Master of Arts degree, which prepared her for a career in journalism.
Career Background
Shakil began her career in 2005, quickly establishing herself as a sharp political reporter. She worked with NDTV before joining India Today, where she rose to become Managing Editor.
Her shows, including News Track and Reporters Project, focus on elections, government accountability, and policy analysis. She is known for her fearless questioning of political leaders and her ability to simplify complex political developments for viewers.
Her coverage of elections across India has made her a trusted face in political journalism, and she has often been cited for her balanced and incisive reporting.
Achievements
- Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award (2012, 2014)
- News Television Award for impactful coverage
- Recognized as one of India’s leading female political journalists
- Managing Editor at India Today, anchoring flagship shows

Personal Life
Marya married Irfan Khan in 2013, and the couple has one child. She balances her demanding career with family life, often speaking about the challenges and importance of women in journalism.
Legacy
Marya Shakil’s legacy lies in her fearless political journalism and her ability to hold leaders accountable. As one of India’s most awarded female journalists, she has paved the way for younger reporters, especially women, in political reporting. Her career reflects resilience, professionalism, and a commitment to democracy.
Marya Shakil — FAQ (Journalist / Media Personality)
Who is Marya Shakil? She is a senior political journalist and Managing Editor at India Today, known for anchoring News Track.
What awards has she won? She has won the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award twice (2012, 2014).
Where is she from? She was born in Patna, Bihar, India.
What is her educational background? She studied at Jamia Millia Islamia and holds a Master of Arts degree.
Is she married? Yes, she married Irfan Khan in 2013 and has one child.
What is she known for? Her fearless political reporting, election coverage, and anchoring flagship shows at India Today.
Colleagues & Collaborators
- Rajdeep Sardesai – Consulting Editor, India Today
- Rahul Kanwal – News Director, India Today
- Other senior anchors and reporters at India Today newsroom









