Rubika Liyaquat Biography
Who is the journalist that asks fearless questions to the most powerful leaders and makes a mark in every debate? Imagine a young girl from the peaceful lakeside city of Udaipur, who decided to trade silence for a microphone.
She began her journey in journalism in the early 2000s, stepping into a competitive world with no shortcuts , only hard work, dedication, and a level of confidence that demanded attention. From humble beginnings, she didn’t just climb the career ladder; she built it herself, piece by piece, until she became a household name.
Over the years, she has mastered the art of political and social analysis. Her iconic shows , from the fiery debates of ‘Taal Thok Ke‘ to the deep-diving insights of ‘Master Stroke‘ , have been watched by millions. She is celebrated for her “firebrand” style: reporting facts with surgical clarity and asking the bold questions that most would avoid.
Through relentless grit and a commanding presence, she has carved out a respected and trusted space in the Hindi news landscape. Whether she is moderating a high-stakes studio debate or reporting from the heart of a political rally, her energy remains unmatched.
Today, she stands as one of India’s most influential voices, proving that with a clear vision and fouldi (iron) willpower, anyone can define their own destiny.
Yes, the name is Rubika Liyaquat..
Personal & Professional Profile
Category Details
Full Name Rubika Liyaquat
Date of Birth April 18, 1983
Place of Birth Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
Nationality Indian
Educational Qualification Bachelor of Mass Media (Mumbai University)
Father’s Name Late Amar Liyaquat (Businessman)
Mother’s Name Fatuma Liyaquat (Environmental Scientist)
Husband’s Name Naved Qureshi (Journalist, m. 2012)
Children One son and one daughter
Current Role Consulting Editor at News18 India
Signature Shows Taal Thok Ke (Zee News), Master Stroke (ABP News)
Key Career Milestone Known for her bold, “firebrand” anchoring style
Early Life and Background:
Rubika Liyaquat’s journey from a young dreamer to a national icon is a story of grit and high aspirations. Here is a simple look at her early life and background.
Early Life and Hometown
Rubika was born on April 18, 1983, in the beautiful “City of Lakes,” Udaipur, Rajasthan. Growing up in the culturally rich and peaceful environment of Udaipur, she developed a sharp mind and a strong sense of observation from a very young age.
A Supportive and Educated Family
She was raised in an environment that deeply valued education and independent thinking.
Father: Her father, Amar Liyaquat, is a businessman who always encouraged her to be confident and pursue her goals.
Mother: Her mother, the late Dr. Fatuma Liyaquat, was an environmental scientist. Having a scientist as a mother inspired Rubika to look at the world with logic and facts.
Values: Her parents taught her the importance of “Nation First” and gave her the freedom to speak her mind, which eventually became her signature style on television.
Educational Foundation
Rubika’s academic path was focused on communication and media from the start:
Schooling: She completed her initial schooling at St. Gregorios Senior Secondary School in Udaipur.
College: She moved to the big city of Mumbai for higher studies, earning her Bachelor of Mass Media (BMM) from Mumbai University.
Professional Training: To sharpen her technical skills, she pursued further media education at the Futuristic Media Communication Centre (FMCC) in Noida.
The Spark for Journalism
Even as a student, Rubika was known for her debating skills and her ability to articulate complex thoughts clearly. She didn’t just want a job; she wanted a platform to ask questions that mattered. This drive took her from the quiet streets of Rajasthan to the high-pressure newsrooms of Mumbai and Delhi.
Education and Early Aspirations:
Rubika Liyaquat’s educational journey is a perfect example of how a strong academic foundation can lead to a successful career. She focused on media and communication from the very beginning.
Schooling:
Rubika completed her early education in her hometown of Udaipur, Rajasthan. She attended St. Gregorios Senior Secondary School. During her school days, she was known for being an excellent speaker and participated actively in debates, which helped her build the confidence she shows on TV today.
College and Graduation
She moved to Mumbai for her professional studies, where she earned a Bachelor of Mass Media (BMM) in Journalism from the University of Mumbai in 2005.
Practical Training: During her college years, she focused heavily on hands-on learning, participating in projects such as documentaries, field reporting exercises, and research assignments to prepare for the newsroom.
Early Aspirations:
Rubika’s drive to enter journalism was shaped by a desire to impact social discourse and a commitment to rigorous preparation.
A Desire for Impact: From a young age, she was motivated by a “burning desire to make a difference” through her work. She aimed to be a voice that addressed public concerns directly.
Focus on Communication: Growing up in an environment that valued curiosity and independent thinking, she actively participated in debates, public speaking, and writing during her school years to sharpen her clarity and confidence.
Professional Ambition: She aspired to build a career based on ethical responsibility and factual accuracy. Rather than seeking shortcuts, her early goals were centered on mastering the technical aspects of journalism, such as editing workflows and live coverage , through internships.
Early Career Start: Her professional journey began shortly after her studies, with an internship at News 24 in 2003, followed by her first major role at Live India in 2007, marking the realization of her goal to become a television news anchor.
Career Trajectory:
Rubika Liyaquat’s career is defined by her rapid rise through India’s top Hindi news networks. Her journey shows a steady progression from regional reporting to becoming a leading national prime-time anchor.
- The Early Steps (2007–2008)
Live India (2007): After completing her studies in 2005, she officially started her career with the channel Live India in June 2007.
News 24 (2008): A year later, she moved to News 24, where she worked as an anchor and senior correspondent. This role helped her build a foundation in national news reporting.
- Gaining National Recognition
Zee News: Rubika joined Zee News, where she became a household name. She was highly recognized for hosting the popular debate show “Taal Thok Ke,” where she developed her signature direct and firm interviewing style.
- Prime-Time Success (2018–2023)
ABP News: In 2018, she moved to ABP News and spent five years there. She hosted the flagship prime-time show “Master Stroke,” which focused on in-depth analysis of major national and international stories. This stint solidified her position as one of India’s most influential news anchors.
- Leadership and Recent Roles (2023–Present)
Bharat24 (2023): In mid-2023, she took on a leadership role as Vice President at the newly launched channel Bharat24, where she hosted shows like “The Rubika Liyaquat Show” and “Dahaad.”
News18 India (2024–Present): In early 2024, she joined News18 India as a Consulting Editor. She currently hosts the high-energy debate show “Goonj,” continuing to be a major voice in political and social discourse.
Signature Style and Impact:
Rubika Liyaquat is known for a very specific way of presenting the news. Her “Signature Style” is what makes her stand out from other news anchors in India.
- Direct and Fearless Questioning
Rubika is famous for her bold and straightforward style. In her debate shows, she does not hesitate to ask tough questions to powerful politicians or public figures. She is known for “holding a mirror” to society and demanding clear answers.
- Strong Command of Language
One of her biggest strengths is her fluency in Hindi and Urdu.
She uses powerful vocabulary and poetic expressions that make her speeches very impactful.
Her “diction” (the way she pronounces words) is very clear, which helps viewers understand complex topics easily.
- High-Energy Anchoring
Whether she is in the studio or reporting from the ground, Rubika brings a lot of energy and passion to her work. She is often seen standing or moving around the set to keep the audience engaged, rather than just sitting behind a desk.
- Connect with the Audience (Social Media Impact)
Rubika has a massive following on social media platforms like X (Twitter) and Instagram.
Digital Influence: She uses these platforms to share her opinions and interact with her fans.
Role Model: Many young women, especially from small towns, look up to her as an example of how to build a successful, independent career in a competitive field.
Major Awards and Recognition:
Rubika Liyaquat has received several prestigious awards for her work in television journalism. These awards recognize her skills as an interviewer and her popularity with the audience.
- ITA Awards (Indian Television Academy Awards)
The ITA Awards are one of the most respected honors in the Indian television industry.
Best Talk/Chat Show (2022): Rubika won this award for her exceptional performance on ABP News. She was specifically recognized for her high-profile interview with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
- ENBA Awards (Exchange4media News Broadcasting Awards)
The ENBA awards celebrate excellence in news broadcasting in India.
Best Talk Show (Hindi): She has been honored for her show “Shikhar Samagam,” where she hosted deep discussions with top leaders and newsmakers.
- Industry Recognition
Firebrand Journalist: She is frequently recognized by media industry experts (like Exchange4media) as a “firebrand” journalist. This title is given to her because of her fearless and energetic reporting style.
Top Influencer: Beyond formal awards, she is consistently ranked as one of the most influential Indian journalists on social media, often recognized for her ability to shape public opinion and engage millions of followers.
Legacy and Influence:
Rubika Liyaquat’s legacy is defined by her role as a “firebrand” of Indian journalism. She has influenced the media industry by changing how news is delivered and by inspiring a new generation of professionals.
- Breaking Stereotypes
Rubika has made a significant impact as a progressive Muslim woman in a highly competitive field. Her success has broken old stereotypes about who can be a top news anchor in India, proving that talent and hard work are the most important factors for success.
- “Firebrand” Journalism
She has helped create a style of journalism that is fearless and patriotic.
The “Bharat Ki Beti” Image: Many viewers refer to her as “India’s Daughter” because of her strong stance on national issues.
Tough Debates: Her ability to manage heated, high-pressure political debates has set a new standard for how prime-time shows are hosted.
- Digital Powerhouse
Unlike traditional anchors who only exist on TV, Rubika has a massive digital influence.
With over 4.6 million followers on social media, she has shown that a journalist can be a “brand” of their own.
She uses her platforms to keep the news alive even after her show ends, engaging directly with the public.
- Role Model for Youth
Her journey from the small city of Udaipur to the top of the Indian media industry is an inspiration for young students from small towns.
She is a strong advocate for media ethics and encourages young women to join journalism to give a voice to the voiceless.
Her legacy is one of consistency and confidence, showing that if you are well-prepared and bold, you can lead the national conversation.
Controversies :
As a high-profile prime-time anchor, Rubika Liyaquat has been at the center of several public debates and controversies. Most of these involve her bold debating style or her personal choices.
- Neutrality and Ethics (NBDSA Case)
In January 2025, the news regulator (NBDSA) criticized Rubika and News18 India regarding a show about Arvind Kejriwal.
The Issue: The regulator found that she appeared to declare someone “guilty” during a debate while the court case was still ongoing.
The Result: The channel was asked to remove those specific parts of the video from their digital platforms to maintain journalistic neutrality.
- Social Media Attacks on Personal Choices
Rubika often faces “trolling” (online bullying) for her personal lifestyle, which some critics claim goes against traditional religious values.
The Hijab & Saree Row: She was targeted by some online groups for wearing a saree, bindi, and gajra, especially while she was reporting on the school Hijab controversy. She responded by saying that a woman’s clothing is her own choice.
Traditions: She was once criticized for a viral video where she touched the floor of her news studio as a mark of respect (a common Indian tradition). Critics attacked her for this, but she stood by her actions as a gesture of gratitude to her workplace.
- COVID-19 Information
During the pandemic, she was criticized for a statement claiming a COVID-19 vaccine was only a “week away” at a time when scientific experts were still uncertain about the timeline. Critics felt this was sensationalist reporting during a sensitive time.
- Heated On-Air Debates
Because of her “firebrand” style, her debates often go viral for the wrong reasons.
Panelist Walkouts: There have been several instances where political guests or farm leaders walked out of her show after heated arguments or when she reprimanded them for using disrespectful language.
Allegations of Bias: Like many national anchors, she is frequently accused by opposition supporters of being biased toward the ruling government, though she maintains that she is simply being a patriotic journalist.
- Historical Comparisons (February 2026)
In a recent episode of Goonj, a debate about comparing historical figures like Tipu Sultan and Shivaji Maharaj went viral.
The Controversy: Viewers and historians criticized the show for being sensationalist. She was accused of “distorting history” to create a high-drama television moment rather than providing educational facts.
The Unseen Side: 5 Interesting Facts About Rubika Liyaquat :
- A Media Power Couple
Her personal life is also connected to the newsroom. She met her husband, Naved Qureshi, while they were both working as journalists. They married in 2012, and their shared understanding of the “24/7 news cycle” is what she credits for their strong relationship.
- A Scientific Legacy
While she chose a career in arts and media, she comes from a family of logic and science. Her mother, Dr. Fatema Liyaquat, is a Ph.D.-holding scientist. Rubika often says her mother’s scientific mindset taught her the importance of research and asking “why” before “how.”
- Mentored by Legends
She didn’t just walk into a prime-time slot; she was mentored by some of the biggest names in Indian journalism, including Sudhir Chaudhary and the late Rohit Sardana. She often speaks about how their guidance helped her sharpen her debating skills during her years at Zee News.
- Command of “Shayari” (Poetry)
One of her most unique traits is her love for Urdu poetry. She doesn’t just read it; she uses it strategically in her debates. Her perfect diction (the way she pronounces words) is actually a result of her deep study of Urdu literature, which she uses to add weight and grace to her arguments.
- The “Bharat Ki Beti” Moniker
Her fans gave her the title “Bharat Ki Beti” (Daughter of India) because of her unapologetically patriotic reporting style. She has embraced this identity, often seen humming the national anthem or performing traditional Indian rituals like lighting a lamp on set—actions that have made her a role model for many.
