Anjali Rao, a well-known television journalist and news anchor, was born on April 8, 1974 (Age: 52 years old) in Hong Kong. With over 25 years in the media industry, she has worked with major networks like CNN International, Sky News UK, and Channel 5 UK, becoming a respected name in journalism.

Her journey from a media student to a globally recognised journalist is truly inspiring. She gained widespread recognition as the host of CNN’s TalkAsia, where she interviewed some of the world’s most influential figures, including Bill Clinton and the Dalai Lama. Anjali has also been a strong advocate for diversity in media and has spoken openly about challenges faced in the industry.

From earning a degree in Sociology and Media Studies at City University, London, to making a mark in broadcast journalism, Anjali has taken on every challenge with confidence and dedication. Her work extends beyond news, as she has also ventured into reality TV, appearing in The Real Housewives of Melbourne and Australian Survivor: Heroes V Villains.

Her wiki and bio reflect a career filled with achievements, resilience, and passion. With an impressive net worth, Anjali Rao’s story is more than just about success—it’s about breaking barriers, inspiring change, and encouraging others to follow their dreams. 

Anjali Rao Wiki & Early Life

Anjali Rao Wiki
Full NameAnjali Rao
ProfessionNews Anchor, Journalist, TV Personality
Age52 years old
Date of BirthApril 8, 1974
NationalityAustralian
Zodiac/Sun SignAries
BirthplaceBritish Hong Kong
Current AddressAustralia

Anjali Rao Husband, Children

Anjali Rao was previously married to Brett Gullan. Together, they have a son and his name is Izzy. However, their relationship did not last, and they eventually separated.

Relationship StatusDivorced
Husband Previously married to Brett Gullan
Children Son: Izzy

Anjali Rao Family

Anjali Rao’s father was Dr. Prithvi Raj Rao, an Indian doctor from Bangalore who was born in Burma. He passed away when Anjali was almost five years old. Her mother, Cynthia Rao (née Lockeyear), was born in Bendigo, Australia, and now lives in the UK. Information about her siblings is yet to be updated.

Parent’s NameFather: Dr. Prithvi Raj Rao
Mother: Cynthia Rao
SiblingsYet to be updated

Anjali Rao Education

Anjali Rao studied at Cobham Hall School and King’s School in Canterbury, England. She later went to City University, London, where she completed her bachelor’s degree with Honours in Sociology and Media Studies.

SchoolCobham Hall School in Kent and King’s School in Canterbury, England
Alma MaterGraduated with a bachelor’s degree with Honours in Sociology and Media Studies from City University, London
Highest QualificationBachelor’s degree with Honours in Sociology and Media Studies

Anjali Rao Career

Anjali Rao is a highly experienced and award-winning journalist with over 25 years in the media industry. She has worked as a news anchor, talk show host, reporter, producer, and event moderator, covering major global events and interviewing some of the world’s most influential figures. 

Below is a step-by-step breakdown of her career journey.

Current Work (2022 – Present

Anjali Rao is currently working as a Content Creator at Emperor Champagne in Melbourne, Australia. She started this job in August 2022. Her role is to build brand awareness using her years of experience in media. She creates new and smart marketing strategies to help the brand stand out in a competitive market.

She is also an Event MC & Panel Moderator at Anjali Rao Intermedia. She has been doing this since 2003. Over the years, she has hosted and moderated more than 700 events worldwide. 

These events cover topics like politics, business, sports, entertainment, and global issues. She has worked with major organisations like IBM, Hilton Hotels, Telstra, Optus, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). She has also interviewed world leaders, top executives, and celebrities.

Work at Network 10 (2012 – 2018)

From 2012 to 2018, Anjali was a host and panellist on Network 10, one of Australia’s leading TV channels. She appeared on the morning talk show Studio 10 and the prime-time program The Project. Her role was to discuss both serious and lighthearted topics. 

She was known for balancing important news with humour and insights. Because of her talent, the network often placed her as the main host multiple times a week.

Work at SBS (2013 – 2015)

From 2013 to 2015, Anjali was a news anchor for SBS, where she hosted Dateline, Australia’s longest-running current affairs show. During this time, she also went to Myanmar to report on major political changes. She was one of the first international journalists allowed to report from the country after the deadly uprisings in 2012 and 2013.

Work at CNN International (2006 – 2012)

Anjali worked at CNN International for six years, from 2006 to 2012. She started as an anchor for the World News Asia program, which was broadcast globally to 220 million households. Later, she hosted the breakfast show World Report.

While at CNN, she reported on many major world events, including:

  • The 2011 Japan and New Zealand earthquakes
  • The 2010 Haiti earthquake
  • The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks
  • The 2008 U.S. Presidential elections
  • The death of Osama bin Laden

During this time, she also hosted CNN’s award-winning talk show TalkAsia. She interviewed many famous personalities, such as Bill Clinton, Dalai Lama, Kanye West, Kevin Spacey, Kobe Bryant, Karl Lagerfeld, Rihanna, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Roger Federer.

Work at Sky News UK (2004 – 2006)

Before joining CNN, Anjali was a news anchor for Sky News UK from 2004 to 2006. She presented daily prime-time news and covered important global events such as:

  • The 2004 Asian tsunami
  • Hurricane Katrina
  • The death of Pope John Paul II
  • The 7/7 London bombings
  • The 2005 UK General Election

Work at Star TV (2001 – 2004)

From 2001 to 2004, Anjali worked as a Principal Anchor at Star TV. She hosted the STAR News Asia program, which was broadcast in 29 countries. She covered major world events like:

  • 9/11 attacks in 2001
  • The Afghanistan war
  • The Bali bombings
  • The U.S.-led invasion of Iraq

She also reported on social issues. One of her most important reports was “Toxic Trail,” an investigation into how pesticide use in India was causing birth defects.  

Early Career (1996 – 2000)

Anjali started her journalism career in Hong Kong as a reporter and producer at Wharf Cable Television (1996 – 1998). She later moved to Australia, where she worked as a reporter for Channel 7 TV (1999 – 2000).

Awards

YearAward NameDetailsOrganisation
2004Amnesty International Human Rights Press AwardInvestigative Journalism Amnesty International
2008Peabody AwardContribution to CNN’s U.S. Election CoveragePeabody Awards
2008Best News PresenterExcellence in News Anchoring Asian Television Awards
2009Best Current Affairs PresenterHosting TalkAsia Asian Television Awards
N/AAsia House (London) Award for Excellence in JournalismOutstanding Journalism WorkAsia House (London)

Controversies  

Anjali Rao, a seasoned journalist and television presenter, has encountered a notable controversy during her career:

Departure from The Real Housewives of Melbourne: In 2021, Anjali joined the fifth season of the Australian reality TV series The Real Housewives of Melbourne. Midway through the season, she made the decision to leave the show. Her departure was reportedly due to conflicts and disagreements with fellow cast members. 

Anjali expressed dissatisfaction with the dynamics of the group, stating, “I just don’t want to be around those people.” This exit marked a significant moment in the series, as it is uncommon for cast members to leave mid-season. [1]

Anjali Rao Net Worth, Salary

Anjali Rao’s estimated net worth ranges between $500k – $1 million. However, details about her exact salary have not been publicly disclosed and are yet to be updated.

Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.)$500k – $1 Million
Salary (Approx.)Yet to be updated

Anjali Rao Height, Weight & Physical Stats

Anjali Rao Height
HeightIn centimeters: 157 cm
In meters: 1.57 m
In feet & inches: 5 feet 2 inches
WeightIn kg: 54 kg
In lbs: 119 lbs
Body Measurements34-28-35
Hair ColourBrown
Eye ColourBlack

Anjali Rao Instagram and LinkedIn

InstagramInstagram Profile the_real_anjali_rao
LinkedInLinkedIn Profile anjali-rao

Interesting Facts About Anjali Rao

  1. Anjali Rao is an award-winning journalist with over 25 years of experience in broadcast news.
  2. Born in Hong Kong, she comes from an Indian-Australian heritage.
  3. She has worked with major networks like CNN, Sky News UK, and Channel 5 UK.
  4. Anjali holds a degree in Sociology and Media Studies from City University, London.
  5. Anjali has spoken openly about racism in the media industry.
  6. She has a son and is passionate about advocating for single mothers.
  7. Anjali Rao has been a vocal supporter of mental health awareness and diversity in journalism.

More News Anchor From Australia

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References
  1. The Brag