Pooja Handa is a Canadian broadcaster, news anchor, and radio host. She is best known as the longtime co-host of CP24 Breakfast and as the current co-host of The Pooja and Gurdeep Show on 98.1 CHFI.
She was born on February 23, 1979 (47 years old) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Handa spent close to two decades on Toronto television and helped CP24 Breakfast become the number one morning show in Toronto.
She has hosted broadcasts for the annual Pride Parade and the Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade, and reported live from the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Pooja is also known for speaking openly about mental health and infertility.
Quick Facts of Pooja Handa
| Full Name | Pooja Handa |
| Profession | Broadcaster, news anchor, radio and television host |
| Age | 47 years old |
| Date of Birth | February 23, 1979 |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Pisces |
| Birthplace | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Current Address | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Gender | Female |
Pooja Handa Early Life and Education
Pooja Handa was raised in the Greater Toronto Area as a second-generation South Asian Canadian.
It is known that she learned the value of a dollar early. She worked several jobs growing up to pay her way through school.
Education
Pooja attended Cawthra Park Secondary School in Mississauga, an arts-focused high school where she majored in drama.
At 18 years old, she auditioned and was accepted into the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.
Then she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Women’s Studies from York University.
She later completed a diploma in Broadcast Journalism from Seneca College.
| School | Cawthra Park Secondary School, Mississauga |
| Alma Mater | York University |
| Highest Qualification | Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies |
Pooja Handa Personal Life
Pooja is married to Paul Pathak, a Toronto lawyer. Paul is a partner at the Toronto-based law firm Chitiz Pathak LLP, where he specializes in corporate, securities, and entertainment law.
The couple met in a memorable way. They crossed paths at a birthday party at the Spoke Club, where Pooja was arriving as Paul was leaving, and he returned to the party to find her.
They later married on May 26, 2013.
Children
On June 30, 2022, Pooja and Paul welcomed twins, a boy, Bodhi, and a girl, Sia, through surrogacy after a long fertility journey.
Parents
Pooja’s parents are Indian immigrants who moved to Canada from the Punjab region of India in the 1970s.
Details of her father are yet to be updated. It is known that her mother’s name is Aruna Handa.
Siblings
Pooja has a sister, whom she has referenced when speaking about their upbringing. Other details are yet to be updated.
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Husband | Paul Pathak |
| Children | Daughter: Sia Son: Bodhi |
| Parents | Father: Yet to be updated Mother: Aruna Handa |
| Siblings | Sister: Yet to be updated |
Pooja Handa Career
Pooja Handa has built her career in Toronto media, moving from early television reporting to anchoring the city’s top morning show and later to radio.
2003: Starts at Global Morning News
Pooja began her television career as a traffic reporter and entertainment host for Global Morning News in Toronto in 2003.
There, she created and hosted a unique entertainment segment called the PH FACTOR, short for the Pooja Handa Factor.
2008: Joins CP24
She joined CP24 as an anchor and host of CP24 Breakfast in 2008, where she helped it become the number one morning show in Toronto.
Over the years, she covered everything from politics to entertainment across the GTA.
2011 to 2014: CP24 Breakfast Weekend
Pooja became co-host of CP24 Breakfast Weekend in 2011 before later moving to the weekday edition of the show.
In early 2014, Nneka Elliot and Jamie Gutfreund joined Pooja Handa in hosting the weekend edition.
2014 to 2021: Weekday CP24 Breakfast
Pooja anchored the weekday morning show for several years.
By its 10th anniversary in 2019, CP24 Breakfast was led by Gurdeep Ahluwalia, Pooja herself, and George Lagogianes, alongside meteorologist Bill Coulter, reporter Jamie Gutfreund, traffic and transit specialist Mika Midolo, traffic and safety specialist Cam Woolley, and traffic specialist Lisa Morales.
She had been a reporter and anchor with the station for 13 years before leaving CP24 Breakfast in late August 2021.
Major event hosting and appearances
Throughout her television years, Pooja hosted many high-profile Toronto events.
These included the Toronto International Film Festival, the Pride Parade, the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival, the Toronto Raptors Championship Parade, and Canada’s Walk of Fame.
She has also been a regular on Breakfast Television, Cityline, CTV’s The Social, and The Marilyn Denis Show.
2022 (present): The Pooja and Gurdeep Show on 98.1 CHFI
On January 4, 2022, Pooja Handa reunited with Gurdeep Ahluwalia to host CHFI Mornings with Pooja and Gurdeep, weekdays from 5 to 9 a.m. on 98.1 CHFI.
The show also features news anchor Christine Cardoso, with Blair Bartrem as executive producer.
The duo makes weekly appearances on Citytv’s Breakfast Television alongside Dina Pugliese and Sid Seixeiro.
Pooja Handa Awards and Achievements
Here are some of Pooja Handa’s major achievements:
Key Wins
- Media Personality of the Year (2023): Awarded by the Canadian Ethnic Media Association (CEMA) for her excellence in inclusive journalism and promoting diversity.
- South Asian Women in Media Award (2018): Honored for her impactful role in advancing representation and diversity on Canadian television.
- Top Choice Award for Best Female TV Personality: Voted for by the public and viewers.
- ANOKHI Media Award: Recognized by the prominent South Asian lifestyle and media organization for her career achievements.
Key Nominations
- Canadian Screen Award: Nominated for her exceptional contributions to Canadian broadcasting.
Pooja Handa Net Worth
Pooja’s estimated net worth ranges between $3–$5 million.
| Net Worth (Approx.) | $3–$5 million |
Pooja Handa Height, Weight, and Physical Stats
Below are the physical stats of Pooja Handa:
| Height | In centimetres: 175 cm In meters: 1.75 m In feet and inches: 5 feet 9 inches |
| Hair Colour | Dark brown |
| Eye Colour | Brown |
Pooja Handa Instagram, X, LinkedIn
 @poojahandatv | |
| X |  @poojahandatv |
 @pooja-handa | |
| Own site |  poojahanda.com |
Interesting Facts About Pooja Handa
- Pooja enjoys cooking new recipes, travelling, and entertaining at home.
- She has supported charities including Muscular Dystrophy Canada and the Modern Miracle Foundation.
FAQs
Who is Pooja Handa?
Pooja Handa is a Canadian broadcaster and radio host, best known as a former CP24 Breakfast anchor and current co-host of The Pooja and Gurdeep Show on 98.1 CHFI.
Who is the husband of Pooja Handa?
Pooja Handa’s husband is Paul Pathak, a Toronto lawyer and partner at Chitiz Pathak LLP. They married on May 26, 2013.
Does Pooja Handa have children?
Yes, Pooja Handa and her husband welcomed twins, a boy and a girl, through surrogacy in June 2022.
Why did Pooja Handa leave CP24?
Pooja Handa left CP24 Breakfast in late August 2021 and moved to radio, launching a CHFI morning show in January 2022.
What show does Pooja Handa host now?
Pooja Handa co-hosts CHFI Mornings with Pooja and Gurdeep on 98.1 CHFI, weekdays from 5 to 9 a.m.
Where did Pooja Handa study?
Pooja Handa studied at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, earned a BA in Women’s Studies from York University, and a Broadcast Journalism diploma from Seneca College.
