Raised in the ‘City of Nawabs,’ a locale renowned for fostering poets and writers, Mazhar Farooqui’s early years were steeped in vivid tales of history, heritage, and, naturally, the iconic Lucknowi Rogan Josh. Little did young Mazhar foresee that his path, which started with freelance writing for newspapers during his teenage years, would culminate in his becoming one of the UAE’s leading investigative journalists. Now, embarking on a fresh chapter in his narrative, Mazhar has authored his debut book, The Maz Files: Scoops, Scams, and Showdowns, which chronicles the high-octane moments of his career, indelibly imprinted in his memory. For aspiring journalists, his counsel is simple: perseverance. “Stay the course, no matter the obstacles,” advises the journalist-turned-author in an interview with wknd., delving into his formative years, the pivotal moment that steered him towards investigative journalism, and the steadfast principles he adheres to while pursuing a story.
Mazhar grew up in Lucknow, a northern Indian city celebrated for its historical richness and culinary delights. While his family was involved in the construction industry, his true passion lay in writing. As a teenager, he contributed to local newspapers on a freelance basis, though he hadn’t initially envisioned journalism as a career path. His decision to become an investigative journalist was driven by two factors: a desire to uncover hidden truths and a disillusionment with the superficial coverage prevalent in many newspapers. His resolve was galvanized in the early ’90s amid a surge of communal violence in his city, where he witnessed firsthand how the media distorted the truth, prompting him to pledge to reveal the genuine story rather than merely regurgitate handed-down narratives.
Investigative journalism poses challenges globally, but in the UAE, these are compounded by additional complexities. Unlike in many countries where defamation is typically a civil matter, here it is considered a criminal offence, potentially resulting in fines, imprisonment, or both. Furthermore, UAE law forbids photographing or videotaping individuals without their consent. Navigating these stringent regulations demands a delicate equilibrium between thorough reporting and legal compliance. However, it’s noteworthy that UAE courts generally evaluate cases with a focus on intent.
Mazhar’s unwavering principles when pursuing a story include never compromising on truthfulness and accuracy. Integrity is non-negotiable; he adheres to ethical practices and honesty, ensuring fairness by presenting all perspectives and respecting privacy, while also protecting the confidentiality of his sources. If a story is in the public interest, he concentrates on divulging crucial information while maintaining these principles.
Once he receives a tip, Mazhar’s process involves validating the source’s credibility and cross-referencing details with other reliable information. He then conducts extensive research to gather background and context, which can span several days. Many stories require on-the-ground investigation and legwork, often involving knocking on doors. He subsequently plans interviews and further investigation, aiming to uncover more evidence and viewpoints. He avoids sting operations unless absolutely necessary. He sifts through the often overwhelming amount of information, focusing on critical details and presenting the story in a clear and engaging manner for readers.
Throughout his career, Mazhar has faced several close calls, with the most harrowing incident involving threats to his family. Individuals targeted not only him but also explicitly included his daughters in their threats, posting openly on social media that they were on a hit list. This malicious campaign persisted for several weeks, with abusive and threatening messages inundating his email and WhatsApp. They even disseminated the addresses of his parents and his daughter, who was studying in another city, urging others to act against them. It was an incredibly distressing experience.
Mazhar’s decision to write The Maz Files: Scoops, Scams and Showdowns now stems from his intense experiences as an investigative journalist—replete with sweat, threats, and legal battles. The book offers readers a thrilling journey, from chasing conmen and narrowly escaping perilous situations to forming unexpected friendships with figures like the late MF Husain and creating conflicts with celebrities like Michael Jackson. It also includes insightful essays on 13 of the devious characters he has exposed. Looking ahead, his next project, tentatively titled Maaz and Myra, is a collaboration with Dr. Amina Mahmood, a Pakistani writer he has never met in person, communicating solely through WhatsApp and emails. Set in Dubai, the book is a romantic thriller about an Indian journalist and a fiercely ambitious Pakistani woman, with no connection to his personal experiences.
Throughout his career, Mazhar has learned numerous lessons, with one significant takeaway being the importance of thoroughness. Building strong relationships and maintaining them is also crucial. Integrity is absolutely non-negotiable, and he has realized that one’s worth is often measured by their last story. His greatest accomplishment has been driving legal action against over 250 individuals, many of whom are now incarcerated. However, his work extends beyond scam busting; he has also played a role in reuniting families.
Mazhar’s favorite part of the book is the chapter where he recounts his showdown with Michael Jackson. For those considering a career in investigative journalism, his advice is clear: if you’re merely toying with the idea, reconsider. It’s not as glamorous as it sounds—it’s hard work and fraught with significant risks. But if you’re committed, perseverance is key. Stick with it, no matter how tough it gets. The Maz Files is available on Amazon.ae.
