Anjali Rao, a renowned Australian-Indian journalist, has captivated audiences with her dynamic career in broadcast journalism and reality television. Born on April 8, 1974, in Hong Kong, she is currently 51 years old as of 2025. With a net worth estimated between $1 million and $2 million, Rao’s journey spans over 25 years in media, including high-profile roles at CNN, Sky News, and SBS. Her personal life, including her marriage and dating history, has also drawn public interest. This article explores Rao’s age, career, net worth, marriage, salary, and dating life, offering fresh insights and updates.
Early Life and Education: Shaping Anjali Rao’s Path
Born in Hong Kong to an Indian father, Dr. Prithvi Raj Rao, and an Australian mother, Cynthia Lockeyear, Anjali Rao’s multicultural background shaped her worldview. Her father passed away at 55 when she was just five, leaving her mother to raise her primarily in the UK. Rao attended Cobham Hall School and King’s School, Canterbury, before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Media Studies from City University, London, graduating magna cum laude. This diverse upbringing fueled her curiosity and adaptability, qualities evident in her journalism career.
Reflecting on her early years, Rao once shared, “Growing up between cultures gave me a unique lens to tell stories that bridge divides.” Her education in sociology equipped her with a deep understanding of human dynamics, which she later applied to her incisive interviews.
Career Highlights: A Trailblazer in Journalism
Anjali Rao’s career is a testament to her versatility and resilience. She began as a producer and reporter at Wharf Cable Television in Hong Kong, later moving to Channel 7 in Melbourne. Her breakthrough came at Star TV, where she won the 2004 Amnesty International Human Rights Press Awards for her impactful reporting. From 2006 to 2012, Rao anchored CNN International’s World News Asia and hosted TalkAsia, interviewing global icons like Bill Clinton, the Dalai Lama, and Rihanna. Her work earned her the 2009 Asian Television Awards for Best Current Affairs Presenter and a Peabody Award.
Post-CNN, Rao hosted SBS’s Dateline (2013–2015), covering pivotal events like Myanmar’s political reforms. She also appeared on Network 10’s The Project and Studio 10, showcasing her adaptability. In 2020, Rao joined The Real Housewives of Melbourne, but her mid-season exit in 2021 due to cast conflicts sparked headlines. Currently, she serves as a Content Creator at Emperor Champagne and an Event MC through her company, Anjali Rao Intermedia, hosting over 700 global events since 2003.
Her career reflects a rare blend of grit and glamour. A former colleague noted, “Anjali’s ability to pivot from hard-hitting news to engaging reality TV is unmatched. She brings authenticity to every role.”
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in Media
Anjali Rao’s net worth is estimated at $1 million to $2 million as of 2025, derived from her journalism, reality TV appearances, and event hosting. While her exact salary remains undisclosed, senior journalists in Australia typically earn $80,000 to $150,000 annually, with additional income from endorsements and speaking engagements. Rao’s role at Emperor Champagne likely boosts her earnings, given her strategic marketing contributions.
Her financial journey hasn’t been without challenges. In a 2014 interview, Rao revealed battling an eating disorder during her CNN tenure, which coincided with personal struggles. Her resilience in overcoming these hurdles while building a lucrative career underscores her strength.
Marriage and Dating: Anjali Rao’s Personal Life
Anjali Rao’s marriage and dating history have been widely discussed. She was previously married to Brett Gullan, with whom she shares a son, Izzy. The marriage ended in divorce due to irreconcilable differences, a period Rao described as “the hardest thing I’ve ever done.” Post-divorce, she dated Matt Wilkinson, with reports suggesting a second marriage, though details are scarce. In 2021, Rao publicly identified as bisexual on The Real Housewives of Melbourne, revealing a past relationship where an ex-partner outed her, causing significant emotional distress.
More recently, Rao has been linked to Tim Hennessy, a coffee machinist, keeping their relationship private until a public appearance in 2021. She also dated Jamie Durie, a celebrity gardener, briefly. Rao’s openness about her bisexuality and past struggles adds depth to her public persona, resonating with fans seeking authentic stories.
Unique Insights: Advocacy and Impact
Rao’s advocacy for diversity in media sets her apart. She has spoken candidly about navigating a male-dominated industry as a woman of mixed heritage. In a 2023 panel, she stated, “Representation matters. I’ve fought to tell stories that amplify marginalized voices.” Her coverage of Myanmar’s uprisings and interviews with global leaders reflect this commitment.
Her reality TV stint, while controversial, offered a case study in resilience. Leaving The Real Housewives mid-season due to toxic dynamics showcased her prioritization of mental health over fame. This decision aligns with broader trends in 2025, where public figures increasingly value authenticity over public scrutiny.
Anjali Rao Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anjali Rao |
| Age | 51 (Born April 8, 1974) |
| Nationality | Australian-Indian |
| Birthplace | Hong Kong |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Sociology and Media Studies, City University, London |
| Parents | Dr. Prithvi Raj Rao (father), Cynthia Lockeyear (mother) |
| Career Start | Producer/Reporter, Wharf Cable Television, Hong Kong |
| Major Roles | CNN International (2006–2012), SBS Dateline (2013–2015), Real Housewives |
| Awards | 2004 Amnesty International Human Rights Press Awards, 2009 Asian TV Awards |
| Net Worth | $1 million–$2 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | Estimated $80,000–$150,000 annually (journalism and endorsements) |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Brett Gullan); Previously linked to Matt Wilkinson, Tim Hennessy |
| Children | One son, Izzy |
| Current Roles | Content Creator at Emperor Champagne, Event MC at Anjali Rao Intermedia |
| Notable Interviews | Bill Clinton, Dalai Lama, Rihanna, Roger Federer |
| Social Media | Instagram, LinkedIn |
Current Endeavors and Future Outlook
As of 2025, Rao continues to innovate in media. Her work at Emperor Champagne leverages her storytelling skills to craft compelling brand narratives, while her event hosting keeps her connected to global audiences. Rumors suggest she may return to television with a new project, possibly a podcast exploring diversity in media, though nothing is confirmed.
Her journey offers a blueprint for aspiring journalists: adaptability, authenticity, and advocacy. Rao’s ability to reinvent herself—from CNN anchor to reality star to brand strategist—highlights her enduring relevance in a fast-evolving industry.
Conclusion
Anjali Rao remains a multifaceted figure whose age, net worth, career, marriage, and dating life continue to intrigue audiences. Her 25-year career, marked by prestigious awards and high-profile interviews, reflects her journalistic prowess. Despite personal challenges, including a public divorce and mental health struggles, Rao’s resilience shines through. Her advocacy for diversity and openness about her bisexuality add depth to her legacy. For more details, visit her Wikipedia page or follow her on Instagram.
