Shashi Tharoor is a name synonymous with eloquence, intellect, and multifaceted contributions to Indian politics, literature, and diplomacy. As a prominent Indian politician, acclaimed author, and former diplomat, Tharoor has left an indelible mark on both national and international stages.
Early Life and Family Background
Born: March 9, 1956 (Age: 69 as of 2025)
Birthplace: London, England
Nationality: Indian
Caste: Nair
Hometown: Kerala, India
Shashi Tharoor was born in London to Chandran Tharoor and Lily Tharoor, a Malayali Nair couple from Palakkad, Kerala. His father worked in various positions, including a 25-year tenure with The Statesman newspaper. When Tharoor was two, his family returned to India, where he grew up in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi. He has two younger sisters, Shobha Tharoor-Srinivasan and Smita Tharoor.
Education: A Foundation of Excellence
Shashi Tharoor’s academic journey is a testament to his intellectual prowess:
- Schooling:
- Montfort School, Yercaud, Tamil Nadu (1962)
- Campion School, Mumbai (1963–1968)
- St. Xavier’s Collegiate School, Kolkata
- Higher Education:
- B.A. in History from St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi (1975), where he was president of the student union and founded the St. Stephen’s Quiz Club.
- M.A., M.A.L.D., and Ph.D. in International Relations and Affairs from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, USA (1976–1978). At age 22, Tharoor became the youngest Ph.D. recipient in the history of the Fletcher School, earning the Robert B. Stewart Prize for best student.
His early academic achievements laid the foundation for a distinguished career in diplomacy, politics, and literature.
Diplomatic Career (1978–2007)
Tharoor’s nearly three-decade tenure at the United Nations showcased his diplomatic acumen:
- 1978: Joined the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Geneva, later heading the Singapore office (1981–1984) during the Vietnamese boat people crisis, managing refugee resettlement.
- 1989–1996: Served as Special Assistant to the Under-Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs, overseeing peacekeeping operations in the former Yugoslavia.
- 1996–2001: Appointed Director of Communications and Special Projects under Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
- 2001–2007: Served as Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, reforming the department and launching initiatives like the “Ten Under-Reported Stories” list.
- 2006: Nominated by India for UN Secretary-General, finishing second to Ban Ki-moon. He resigned from the UN in 2007.
Political Career: A Voice for Thiruvananthapuram
Tharoor entered Indian politics in 2009, joining the Indian National Congress (INC) and winning the Lok Sabha seat from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He has since been re-elected in 2014, 2019, and 2024, representing the constituency with distinction. Key milestones include:
- 2009–2010: Minister of State for External Affairs, focusing on Africa, Latin America, and the Gulf.
- 2012–2014: Minister of State for Human Resource Development, emphasizing higher education and literacy.
- 2019–2022: Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology.
- 2022–2024: Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers.
- 2024–Present: Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs under the Modi government.
Despite controversies, such as his 2009 “cattle class” tweet and the 2014 Swachh Bharat Abhiyan endorsement, Tharoor remains a vocal advocate for progressive policies and India’s soft power. In 2022, he contested the Congress presidential election, losing to Mallikarjun Kharge but earning widespread respect.
Literary Career: A Prolific Author
Shashi Tharoor is a celebrated author with over two dozen books, blending wit, history, and political analysis. His works span fiction and non-fiction, earning him the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2019 for An Era of Darkness. Notable books include:
Fiction
- The Great Indian Novel (1989): A satirical retelling of the Mahabharata, earning the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize.
- Show Business (1992): A critique of Bollywood and politics.
- Riot (2001): A novel exploring communal tensions.
- The Five Dollar Smile and Other Stories (1990): A collection of short stories.
Non-Fiction
- India: From Midnight to the Millennium (1997): Reflections on India’s post-independence journey.
- An Era of Darkness/Inglorious Empire (2016): A critique of British colonialism, inspired by his viral 2015 Oxford Union speech.
- Why I Am a Hindu (2018): A defense of pluralistic Hinduism.
- The Paradoxical Prime Minister (2018): An analysis of Narendra Modi’s leadership.
- Ambedkar: A Life (2022): A biography of B.R. Ambedkar.
- A Wonderland of Words (2024): A recent exploration of language and culture.
Tharoor’s columns have appeared in prestigious publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Hindu, and The Times of India, cementing his reputation as a global thought leader.
Personal Life: Wives and Children
Shashi Tharoor’s personal life has been marked by three marriages and significant public scrutiny:
- Tilottama Mukherji (1981–2006): His college sweetheart and first wife, with whom he has twin sons, Ishaan Tharoor and Kanishk Tharoor, both accomplished writers. The couple divorced in 2006.
- Christa Giles (2007–2010): A Canadian diplomat, their marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce.
- Sunanda Pushkar (2010–2014): Tharoor married Sunanda, a businesswoman, in 2010. Her untimely death in 2014 led to controversy, with Tharoor briefly named in a suspicious death case. He was cleared of all charges in 2021.
Current Marital Status: Widower
Children: Two sons, Ishaan and Kanishk Tharoor
Religion: Hindu
Hobbies: Reading, writing, traveling, and music
Awards and Achievements
Tharoor’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades:
- 1976: Rajika Kripalani Young Journalist Award.
- 1990: Federation of Indian Publishers’ Hindustan Times Literary Award for The Great Indian Novel.
- 1998: Global Leader of Tomorrow, World Economic Forum.
- 2004: Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, India’s highest honor for non-resident Indians.
- 2019: Sahitya Akademi Award for An Era of Darkness.
- 2022: Legion of Honour, France’s highest civilian award, for his contributions to literature and diplomacy.
Physical Stats and Net Worth
- Height: 5’9” (175 cm)
- Weight: 75 kg (165 lbs)
- Eye Color: Hazel Green
- Hair Color: Salt and Pepper
- Net Worth: Approximately ₹56.07 crore (as of 2019)
- Salary (as MP): ₹1 lakh + allowances
Controversies
Tharoor’s career has not been without controversy:
- 2009: Criticized for staying in a five-star hotel during an austerity drive and for his “cattle class” tweet.
- 2014: Dropped as Congress spokesperson for praising Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
- 2016: Sparked debate by comparing JNU student Kanhaiya Kumar to Bhagat Singh.
- 2017–2021: Faced allegations in the suspicious death of his wife, Sunanda Pushkar, but was cleared by a Delhi court in 2021.
Public Influence and Social Media
Tharoor is a pioneer of digital engagement in Indian politics, known for his witty and articulate social media presence. He was the most-followed Indian on Twitter until surpassed by Narendra Modi in 2014. His viral 2015 Oxford Union speech on British colonialism garnered global attention, inspiring Inglorious Empire. Recent posts on X highlight his active engagement with literature and public discourse, including book signings and discussions on India’s foreign policy.
Why Shashi Tharoor Matters
Shashi Tharoor’s journey from a UN diplomat to a four-term MP and acclaimed author reflects his versatility and impact. His advocacy for India’s soft power, eloquent speeches, and literary contributions make him a significant figure in competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and banking, covering topics like international relations, governance, and Indian history.
FAQs About Shashi Tharoor
1. How old is Shashi Tharoor?
Shashi Tharoor was born on March 9, 1956, making him 69 years old as of 2025.
2. Who is Shashi Tharoor’s wife?
Tharoor is currently a widower. He was married to Tilottama Mukherji (1981–2006), Christa Giles (2007–2010), and Sunanda Pushkar (2010–2014).
3. How many children does Shashi Tharoor have?
He has two sons, Ishaan and Kanishk Tharoor, from his first marriage.
4. What is Shashi Tharoor’s educational background?
He holds a B.A. from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and an M.A., M.A.L.D., and Ph.D. from The Fletcher School, Tufts University.
5. How many books has Shashi Tharoor written?
Tharoor has authored over 24 books, including fiction and non-fiction.
6. What is Shashi Tharoor’s net worth?
His net worth is approximately ₹56.07 crore as of 2019.
Conclusion
Shashi Tharoor’s remarkable journey as a diplomat, politician, and author continues to inspire millions. His contributions to Indian politics, global diplomacy, and literature, coupled with his mastery of language, make him a towering figure. Whether you’re researching for exams, seeking insights into Indian history, or exploring his literary works, Tharoor’s life offers a wealth of knowledge.
For more details, visit his official website: shashitharoor.in. Follow him on X for the latest updates on his work and public engagements.
