Meet Sheela Bhatt, a distinguished journalist with over four decades of experience, recognized for her fearless reporting and exclusive interviews. Notably, she is one of the rare individuals who has met and interviewed Dawood Ibrahim, the notorious gangster and terrorist wanted for his role in the 1993 Mumbai bombings.

Sheela Bhatt Wiki Details

Sheela Bhatt Biography, Early Life and Education

Born in 1962 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, to a Konkani Muslim family, Sheela Bhatt developed an interest in journalism during her schooling at Ahmed Sailor High School. Graduating with a degree in English literature from the University of Mumbai, she laid the foundation for a remarkable career.

Sheela’s Career Journey

Starting her career in 1979 with Chitralekha, a Gujarati magazine, Sheela Bhatt quickly gained recognition for her bold reporting. Over the years, she covered diverse topics and interviewed influential figures, including Dawood Ibrahim, whom she met for the first time in 1981. Her extensive career includes working with Indian Express, Rediff.com, and The Print.

In 1988, Bhatt gained widespread acclaim for her interview with Dawood Ibrahim in Dubai, making her the only journalist granted access to him after he fled India. The interview, published in the Indian Express and compiled into the book “Dawood: The Man and the Myth,” marked a pivotal moment in her career.

Sheela Bhatt Net Worth

While Sheela Bhatt’s net worth is not publicly disclosed, her substantial income is attributed to her illustrious journalism career. Having worked for renowned media outlets and authored several books, she has garnered recognition and awards for her contributions.

Sheela Bhatt Interviewed Dawood Ibrahim

Sheela Bhatt has interviewed Dawood Ibrahim multiple times. Her first encounter with him was in 1981, and her most famous interview occurred in 1988 in Dubai. Over three days, she spent over six hours interviewing Dawood, covering topics like his involvement in the drug trade, links with Pakistan’s ISI, and his role in the 1985 Bombay airport attack.

From a chance photograph with Karim Lala to fearless face-offs, Sheela’s journey offers a unique perspective on the shadows that lurk beneath the surface of society. In a twist of fate, a picture of Sheela Bhatt with mafia don Karim Lala became the catalyst that caught the attention of Dawood Ibrahim in the late 1970s.

Sheela’s first significant encounter with Dawood occurred in 1981-82 when he was still emerging as a small-time criminal. The initial interaction paved the way for a phone call from Dawood himself, urging Sheela to shed light on the alleged harassment of girls in a government remand home by Karim Lala’s associates. First meeting took place on Tanker Street near Jail Road in Mumbai, setting the stage for a series of consequential meetings.

A surprising turn of events led Bhatt to meet Dawood once again, this time within Baroda jail. His encounters with the rising criminal continued to provide unparalleled insight, giving readers a front-row seat to the drama unfolding within criminal gangs.

Sheela Bhatt’s Parents and Siblings

While information about her parents and siblings is limited, Sheela Bhatt was born into a Konkani Muslim family in Mumbai. Her father was a businessman, and her mother was a homemaker.

Sheela’s Controversies

Facing controversies and threats due to her fearless reporting, Sheela Bhatt has been accused of having links with the underworld and politicians. Notable incidents include her 1984 interview with Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, her 1988 interview with Dawood Ibrahim, and being shot by Arun Gawli’s men in 1992.

Nationality, Caste, and Religion

Sheela Bhatt belongs to the Konkani community and having Indian nationality. She follows Jainism and advocates for communal harmony and secularism.

Personal Life, Husband & Daughter

Sheela Married to Kanti Bhatt, famous writer and journalist, in July 1979. Kanti was a Gujarati journalist, he suffers stroke on 4 August 2019 and died at 88 in Mumbai. Sheela have two children (a son and a daughter) settled abroad. She had a daughter, Shakti Bhatt, who died in 2007. She engages with her followers on social media, actively sharing views on various issues.

Awards and Recognition

Sheela Bhatt has received prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri, Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award, Chameli Devi Jain Award, Bharatiya Jnanpith Moortidevi Award, and Sahitya Akademi Award.

In conclusion, Sheela Bhatt stands as a stalwart in Indian journalism, leaving an indelible mark through her fearless reporting and exclusive interviews. Her encounters with Dawood Ibrahim and other influential figures have shaped her legacy, making her a respected and admired figure in the field.

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