Kenya, Aug. 5 -- Kenyan media personality Shiksha Arora, celebrated as the "Dancing Anchor", married businessman Salman Manji in a dazzling Indian wedding ceremony in December 2021 at Nyali Sun Africa Hotel, Mombasa, following their engagement on January 1, 2020, during a romantic South African getaway.
Known for her dynamic presence on TV47 and East FM, Arora's journey from microbiology to media stardom, coupled with her vibrant dance videos and surprise gifts from fans, has made her a beloved figure in Kenya's entertainment scene. Her wedding, marked by cultural splendor, continues to resonate as she balances her multifaceted career and personal life.
Shiksha Arora is a Kenyan news anchor, radio presenter, dancer, and actress of Indian descent, born on May 14 in Nairobi. Nicknamed the "Dancing Anchor," she gained fame through viral TikTok dance videos, amassing over 1.1 million followers on her @shiksha.arora account.
Her career began at East FM in 2013, followed by a stint at K24 TV from 2018 to 2020, where she hosted the Daily Brief. After a brief setback when K24 axed its newsroom during the 2020 COVID-19 crisis, Arora joined KBC, later moving to TV47 in July 2024.
A University of Nairobi graduate with a degree in Microbiology and Biotechnology, she pursued a Master's in Broadcast Journalism at Westminster University, London, honing her skills at BBC and Smoke FM. Her accolades include the 2019 Best News Anchor and Best Female Anchor Awards, reflecting her engaging on-screen presence.
Shiksha Arora married Salman Manji, a Kenyan businessman, in a colorful Hindu wedding on December 20, 2021, at Nyali Sun Africa Hotel, Mombasa.
The couple, engaged on January 1, 2020, during a South African vacation, faced initial family concerns due to religious differences, Arora is Christian, Manji is Muslim, but their commitment prevailed. The wedding, attended by media colleagues and friends, featured Arora's grand entrance, carried high, and vibrant Indian traditions like color-throwing and dancing.
Shared on Instagram, the event's palm-lined venue and floral decor captivated fans, with Arora's Insta-stories amplifying the celebration. As of 2025, the couple has no children but shares a strong bond, often highlighted in Arora's social media posts. Their love story, rooted in mutual respect, inspires fans across Kenya.
The couple's engagement on January 1, 2020, was a romantic highlight during a South African "baecation." Manji proposed with a diamond ring, which Arora joyfully accepted, sharing on Instagram, "He asked and I said yes. Thank you for making me the happiest girl in the world!"
The moment, marked by scenic South African backdrops, set the stage for their 2021 wedding. Arora's post went viral, with colleagues and fans flooding her with congratulations. The engagement, a testament to their long-term relationship, overcame religious differences, as Arora later shared in a TV47 interview with Dr. Ofweneke.
Unlike her parents' arranged marriage, Arora emphasized the importance of love and understanding, making the South Africa proposal a cherished milestone.
Arora's fanbase frequently showers her with surprise gifts, reflecting her widespread appeal. From custom jewelry to designer outfits, these tokens often appear in her Instagram stories, where she expresses gratitude. In 2023, fans gifted her a personalized dance costume during a TV47 event, which she wore in a viral Anguka Nayo dance video with American host Nick Kosir.
Her ability to connect with audiences through dance and media has spurred such gestures, with brands like Samsung and Fanta sending her exclusive products for endorsements.
The surprise gifts, often shared online, boost her influencer status, contributing to Shiksha Arora's net worth to $77,000-$115,000 USD as of 2025.
Arora's engagement with fans, including responding to gift-related messages, strengthens her digital presence.
Arora's journey includes surviving the 2013 Westgate Mall attack, where she was rescued by an ex-British soldier while hosting a children's cooking competition.
Another scare came in 2021 when thugs attacked her car in Nairobi, yet she escaped unharmed. These experiences, shared in interviews, highlight her resilience.
A passionate advocate for women's empowerment, Arora supports education and healthcare initiatives, including her "Dance for a Cause" project.
Her Indian heritage, rooted in her great-grandfather's migration during Kenya's railway construction, shapes her identity, though she rejects arranged marriages, favoring love-based unions like hers with Manji. Her multifaceted career, from acting in a 2025 Netflix film to running a dance studio, continues to inspire.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.