Rana Usman

Yasser Usman is an Indian journalist, news presenter, and author recognized for his in-depth biographies of prominent figures in Indian cinema. Born in the 1980s, he pursued journalism after completing his education in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, including a Master of Science degree and training at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Usman also undertook a screenwriting course at the University of Oxford.

His journalistic career began in television, working for various networks where he produced shows and served as a film critic. He received the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award for his contributions. Usman has also been noted for his work in digital media, launching initiatives and hosting shows for platforms like CricketnMore.com and contributing to publications such as Khaleej Times, BBC, and NDTV India.

As an author, Usman is acclaimed for his meticulously researched, often unauthorized, biographies that delve into the personal lives and careers of film stars. His notable works include the 'Untold' trilogy focusing on Bollywood, such as 'Rajesh Khanna: The Untold Story of India's First Superstar' and 'Sanjay Dutt: The Crazy Untold Story of Bollywood's Bad Boy,' alongside 'Rekha: The Untold Story' and 'Guru Dutt: An Unfinished Story.' In 2025, he also published his debut fiction novel, 'As Dark As Blood.'

Yasser Usman commenced his professional journey in television journalism, working with companies like B.A.G. Films and Channel 7, where he produced and presented various shows, including those on forensic science and film reviews. He later joined Star News (later ABP News) in 2007, focusing on non-fiction programming and directing documentaries and biographies. His work in film and television journalism earned him the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award in 2012. Usman has also been instrumental in developing digital content strategies for media outlets such as IBN7, Star News, ABP Network, and CricketnMore.com, where he served as Consulting Editor and Digital Content Strategist. His contributions to journalism have been recognized with multiple awards, including the Red Ink Awards and the Indian Telly award. He has also written columns on cinema for Khaleej Times and the BBC, and explored the intersection of cinema and popular culture for NDTV India.

Usman has established himself as a prominent biographer, particularly within the realm of Bollywood. His books are characterized by thorough research, often delving into the complex personal lives, struggles, and downfalls of cinematic icons, alongside their rise to stardom. His debut as an author was with 'Rajesh Khanna: The Untold Story of India's First Superstar' (2014), followed by 'Rekha: The Untold Story' (2016) and 'Sanjay Dutt: The Crazy Untold Story of Bollywood's Bad Boy' (2018), which concluded his 'Untold' trilogy. His biography 'Guru Dutt: An Unfinished Story' (2021) explores the life of the acclaimed filmmaker. While these biographies are typically unauthorized, Usman emphasizes that this does not equate to irresponsibility, but rather a more challenging narrative-building process. His works have been critically reviewed, with some noting his deep research and neutral stance, while others have questioned the extent of new information revealed. His books on Rajesh Khanna and Rekha received nominations for the Crossword Book Award.

Beyond his extensive work in biographical writing, Yasser Usman has also ventured into fiction. His first novel, 'As Dark As Blood,' a crime thriller, was published in January 2025 by Simon & Schuster. The novel features Inspector Roshan Rana, a seasoned Delhi Police officer known for his success in apprehending psychopathic murderers. The book is described as a gripping and psychologically deep narrative that maintains intrigue until its conclusion. This foray into fiction demonstrates Usman's versatility as a storyteller, extending his narrative skills beyond the factual accounts of real-life personalities to create fictional suspense and drama.