MJ Akbar moves out of The Asian Age, The Deccan Chronicle

Mubashar Jawed (MJ) Akbar, editor-in-chief, The Asian Age and The Deccan Chronicle, has put in his papers. When contacted, Akbar did not confirm the development. However, industry sources inform agencyfaqs! that March 2 was his last working day. It is not yet known where Akbar is headed.

Akbar started his career in 1971 as a trainee with The Times of India. Within months, he moved to The Illustrated Weekly of India as sub-editor and feature writer. In 1973, he was named editor of the news fortnightly, Onlooker, owned by the Free Press Journal Group in Mumbai.

Akbar has also served as former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi’s official spokesman.

In 1993, he quit politics and returned to journalism and full time writing. In that year, he started a media company with the aim of creating India’s first newspaper that would include an international focus within its editorial range and also be the first Indian daily with an international edition. The first edition of The Asian Age was launched in February 1994. In May 2005, The Deccan Chronicle acquired 67 per cent stake in Asian Age.

Akbar has authored several books, including Byline; a biography of Jawaharlal Nehru titled Nehru: The Making of India; Kashmir: Behind the Vale; Riot after Riot; India: The Siege Within; and a cohesive history of jihad titled The Shade of Swords. His most recently published book is Blood Brothers, a family saga set amidst changing Hindu-Muslim relations.