Faisal Farooqui

Faisal Farooqui
Born1976 or 1977
Mumbai, Maharashtra
EducationBachelor of Science
Alma materState University of New York at Binghamton
OccupationsBusinessman
Investor
Founder & CEO of Mouthshut.com
AwardsYoung Leaders by British High Commission

Faisal Farooqui is an Indian technology entrepreneur and investor. He is the founder and chief executive officer of MouthShut.com, a consumer review and ratings platform launched in 2000.[1][2] Known for building early large-scale systems for user-generated content in India, his work emphasizes data privacy, encryption, and scalable infrastructure. He also co-founded Zarca Interactive, the parent company of Sogolytics and K12Insight[3] and was an early investor in the agritech platform DeHaat.[4]

Farooqui was among the petitioners in the 2015 Supreme Court of India case that resulted in the striking down of Section 66A of the Information Technology Act.[5][3] He has also served as a spokesperson for actor Dilip Kumar and authored his biographical memoir.[6]

Early life and education

Faisal Farooqui was born in Mumbai, India, as the youngest of ten children to Idris Farooqui and Tahera Farooqui.[7] His father, originally a farmer, came from a land-owning family whose ancestors had rebelled against British colonial rule in 1857. He later established bakeries in Mumbai, expanding the traditional joint family business.[8] Farooqui attended St. Stanislaus High School in Bandra and completed his higher secondary education at Jai Hind College, Mumbai.[9] He later moved to the United States, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Information Systems and Finance from the State University of New York at Binghamton.[8][7]

During his time at university, he was elected to the Faculty Senate Committee and student government, and served as technology editor of the campus newspaper, Pipe Dream.[7] Farooqui developed an interest in computing during his school years, including exposure to early computerized systems in India. In the late 1980s, he began experimenting with basic programming and database tools, later gaining experience with personal computers and operating systems while working on small-scale record-management applications.[7][8][10]

Career

Farooqui began his professional career as a telecommunications consultant at American Management Systems in the United States.[9] In 2000, he returned to India and founded MouthShut.com as a platform for consumer reviews.[1]

In 2001, Farooqui introduced the Dial-the-CEO feature on the platform that allowed users to connect directly with the company CEO. Similar consumer-engagement models were later adopted by other businesses.[11]

In 2007, Farooqui launched Dekhona.com, a localized video platform. The standalone service was later discontinued due to operational costs, and its underlying technology was integrated into MouthShut to support video-based reviews. In 2011, he beta-launched Dealface.com, an SMS-based coupon service for local businesses,[12] which was subsequently merged into MouthShut.[13][14]

Auto Rickshaw advertising

Farooqui is often cited for pioneering auto-rickshaw advertising in India.[15][16] During the 2001 dot-com bust, Farooqui utilized the rear hoods of Mumbai rickshaws to market the platform MouthShut.com as an alternative to high-cost traditional advertising.[17][18]

The campaign involved painting the website's URL onto the vinyl or canvas hoods of the vehicles. According to DNA India, Farooqui initially negotiated directly with individual drivers rather than through unions, offering a one-time payment for the display. The Mumbai pilot was followed by expansions into Bangalore in April 2006 and Delhi in June 2006.[19] While larger brands were initially skeptical of the medium, the Hindustan Times noted that the high visibility of the advertisements in traffic congestion contributed to the growth of auto-rickshaw advertising as a recognized segment in Indian transit media. By 2007, the practice had been adopted by various other firms and larger corporations.[18]

Zarca Interactive

In 2003, Farooqui co-founded Zarca Interactive with his brothers, Suhail and Hamid. The firm provides enterprise feedback and customer-experience solutions. Its operations later expanded through related companies, including Sogolytics and K12Insight, where Farooqui serves as a board member.[3]

Farooqui has been involved in public discussions relating to digital rights and intermediary liability for online platforms in India.

Section 66A and IT Rules

In 2013, Farooqui and MouthShut.com filed a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution of India challenging provisions of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules, 2011.[20] The petition argued that the rules required intermediaries to assess the legality of user-generated content without judicial oversight, which, according to the petitioners, led to excessive content removal.[21] The filing cited multiple takedown requests and legal notices received by the platform, including claims from private entities seeking the removal of negative reviews.[22] The petition was heard alongside other challenges to Section 66A of the Information Technology Act.[23] In March 2015, the Supreme Court of India struck down Section 66A as unconstitutional, holding that it violated the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a).[24] The court also clarified the conditions under which intermediaries are required to remove online content, limiting such obligations to cases involving court orders or government notifications.[1]

Net Neutrality and IST Reform

During the 2015 national debate on net neutrality, Farooqui publicly supported the principle of non-discriminatory data access. He has also been associated with Project MoreSunlight,[25] which advocates advancing Indian Standard Time by 30 minutes to GMT +06:00 to improve energy efficiency.[26][27]

Community initiatives

In 2017, Farooqui co-founded the Save Joggers Park campaign, which opposed the redevelopment of a public green space in Bandra, Mumbai. He has also served as visiting faculty at institutions including the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and Jamia Millia Islamia.

MouthShut.com and Farooqui have been involved in a number of legal disputes connected to content published on the platform.[28] These included civil claims from private entities alleging reputational harm, as well as litigation relating to the obligations of online intermediaries under Indian law.[29][30] Court records and related filings noted that, in the period leading up to the constitutional challenge, the platform had received approximately 790 takedown requests and 240 legal notices, and was involved in 11 court cases concerning user-generated reviews and content moderation.[31]

Pune-based Kumar Builders sought damages of ₹2,000 crore, alleging that fabricated reviews were hosted on the platform.[32] The Institute of Management and Technical Studies (IMTS) also issued legal notices claiming that reviews published on MouthShut.com adversely affected the institution's reputation.[33]

Website access restrictions

In 2014, the internet service provider (ISP) Beam Fiber temporarily restricted access to MouthShut.com in Hyderabad and Bangalore.[34] The block was implemented without a formal government order. Following legal representations by Farooqui, the ISP restored access and issued an apology, citing a misunderstanding of its regulatory obligations.[35]

Board membership

Bibliography

  • Farooqui, Faisal (2022). Dilip Kumar : In the Shadow of a Legend (A Biography). India: Om Books International. ISBN 978-9392834660.
  • Application of market research towards proactive customer relationship management[40]

Personal life

Farooqui is a founding trustee of the Tahera & Idris Farooqui Foundation, which supports initiatives in education and healthcare.[41] He maintained a professional association with actor Dilip Kumar,[42] managing official communications and social-media activity.[43][42][44][45] In 2022, he published the memoir In the Shadow of a Legend: Dilip Kumar.[46]

Awards and honors

References

  1. ^ a b c Agarwal, Surabhi (26 March 2015). "Newsmaker: Faisal Farooqui". Business Standard. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  2. ^ Reddy, Sujata (1 March 2017). "Food above all! Not just meetings, Mouthshut's Faisal Farooqui pitches in at the office canteen too". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
  3. ^ a b c "Minimising Legal Risks of Online Intermediaries while Protecting User Rights — The Centre for Internet and Society". Centre for Internet and Society (India). Retrieved 24 September 2022.
  4. ^ "Omnivore, AgFunder invest in agri-tech startup DeHaat". VCCircle. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
  5. ^ Das, Soma. "Section 66A of IT Act: We took up battle, big guys didn't, says MouthShut founder Faisal Farooqui". The Economic Times. Retrieved 24 September 2022.
  6. ^ "Faisal Farooqui on his new Dilip Kumar memoir: I wanted people to know the man behind the legend - CNBC TV18". CNBCTV18. 22 August 2022. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
  7. ^ a b c d "Alumnus credits Binghamton for inspiring his award-winning review website". Alumni Connect- Binghamton University. September 2014. Archived from the original on 4 February 2015. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  8. ^ a b c "'Work for the sake of passion, not a paycheck'". www.rediff.com. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
  9. ^ a b Naik, Sushma (3 October 2009). "Swades, the dotcom way". Express Computer. Archived from the original on 29 October 2005. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
  10. ^ "How early exposure to computing influenced an Indian Internet entrepreneur". The Financial Express. 18 December 2025. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
  11. ^ Krishnakumar, Aparna (20 April 2005). "Ice people: Faisal Farooqui". Business Standard India. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  12. ^ "Mouthshut.com launches Dealface.com". Moneylife. 11 May 2011. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  13. ^ Shanbaug, Amit (19 December 2011). "Mouthshut.com: Building funds via feedback". The Economic Times. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  14. ^ Saxena, Anupam (13 May 2011). "Deal Sites Launched By MouthShut, IndyaRocks; Suggestions". MediaNama. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  15. ^ Vahanvaty, Insiyah. "'Work for the sake of passion, not a paycheck'". Rediff. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
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  17. ^ Mitra, Moinak. "Chunnu, Munnu left out as autos load dotcom ads". The Economic Times. Retrieved 24 September 2022.
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  21. ^ Sriram, Jayant (24 March 2015). "SC strikes down 'draconian' Section 66A". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
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  23. ^ Tiwary, Avinash (25 March 2015). "Section 66A of IT Act: Entire digital ecosystem will take off from here, says MouthShut founder Faisal Farooqui". The Financial Express. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  24. ^ Balaji, Indira (5 August 2021). "Section 66A of the IT Act is dead; punish the police who still use it". The Federal. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  25. ^ www.ETTelecom.com. "Net neutrality: Wary of the DoT matrix - Tele-Talk by Faisal Farooqui | ET Telecom". ETTelecom.com. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  26. ^ "Internet users represent new India with aspirations – and they want net neutrality: Faisal I Farooqui". Times of India Blog. 11 May 2015. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  27. ^ "Nine Indian startup CEOs write to TRAI against zero-rating platforms". The Indian Express. 30 December 2015.
  28. ^ Rakshit, Angshumitra C. (5 March 2014). "Louder please". Fortune India. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
  29. ^ Sen, Shreeja (30 August 2014). "SC seeks govt reply on PIL challenging powers of IT Act". mint. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  30. ^ Pahwa, Nikhil (29 April 2013). "MouthShut Challenges IT Rules In The Supreme Court Of India". MediaNama. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  31. ^ Datta, Saurav (18 September 2014). "This Supreme Court petition could be a big step in the fight for Internet democracy in India". Scroll.in. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  32. ^ Kelkar, Suhit (13 June 2013). "The Irony of a Name". Open The Magazine. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  33. ^ "IMTS Institute send a Legal notice MouthShut.com for Fake Review". imtsinstitute. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  34. ^ Balanarayan, N. T. (4 February 2014). "Update: Mouthshut Blocked By Beam Fibre; Issue Escalated To TRAI And DoT". MediaNama. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  35. ^ "Mouthshut finally unblocked, will consider legal action against ISP - Exchange4media". exchange4media. 6 February 2014. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  36. ^ "Indian civil society to WhatsApp, Facebook: Ask users before they are added to group chats". Moneycontrol. Retrieved 24 September 2022.
  37. ^ "Governing Body | SFLC.in". sflc.in. Archived from the original on 24 September 2022. Retrieved 24 September 2022.
  38. ^ Kanti, Anurit. "Shifting India's Time-Zone By 30 Minutes Will Have Economic, Social, Health And Environmental Benefits: Faisal Farooqui". BW Businessworld. Retrieved 24 September 2022.
  39. ^ Saraswathy, M. (11 November 2013). "Former IIT Bombay team members start angel network". Business Standard India. Retrieved 24 September 2022.
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  41. ^ Attri, M. (6 December 2025). "How a Foundation Helped 1,000 Mumbai Families in 2020 — And Why It Still Matters". ABP Live. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
  42. ^ a b "Saira Banu was under stress after Dilip Kumar's death, spokesperson Faisal Farooqui says". The Indian Express. 2 September 2021. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  43. ^ "Dilip Kumar admitted to hospital". The Times of India. 8 October 2018. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  44. ^ "Dilip Kumar Death: Who is Faisal Farooqui who used to give information related to Dilip Kumar's health every moment, know what is the relationship with the actor". News NCR. 7 July 2021. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  45. ^ "Dilip Kumar Social Media : कौन हैं फैसल फारूकी जो हर पल देते थे दिलीप कुमार की हेल्थ से जुड़ी जानकारी, जानिए क्या है एक्टर से रिश्ता". TV9 Bharatvarsh (in Hindi). 7 July 2021. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  46. ^ "'Yusuf sahab would often tell me about his fear of Dilip Kumar'". The Indian Express. 23 August 2022. Retrieved 24 September 2022.
  47. ^ "TEDxSIUHinjewadi | TED". www.ted.com. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  48. ^ "The First Class of the Indian Startups: The Unsung Heroes". www.startupguru.co. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  49. ^ "Kalam Ko Salam: BJP Minority Front launches 'Dr Kalam Startup Award' to honour former President's legacy". Rising Kashmir. 14 August 2024. Retrieved 25 December 2025.
  50. ^ "Manthan Awards announced in 14 categories". afaqs!. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
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