Sakshi Singh: Ronnie Screwvala

2026-03-17T07:26:40Z

Ronnie Screwvala

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{{SHORTDESC:Indian entrepreneur, investor and film producer}}
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|title=Ronnie Screwvala Biography – Entrepreneur, Investor & Film Producer
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|description=Ronnie Screwvala is an Indian entrepreneur, investor, and film producer known for founding UTV, co-founding upGrad, and his contributions to media, education, and philanthropy.
|image=Ronnie Screwvala.image.png
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{| class="infobox" style="width:22em; font-size:90%; text-align:left; border-spacing:0; background:#f9f9f9; border:1px solid #aaa; float:right; margin-left:1em;"
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-size:larger;" |'''Ronnie Screwvala'''
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |[[File:Ronnie Screwvala.image.png|alt=Ronnie Screwvala.image|200x200px]]
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|'''Born'''||Rohinton Soli Screwvala<br>8 September 1956
|-
|'''Birthplace'''||Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, India
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|'''Nationality'''||Indian
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|'''Occupation'''||Entrepreneur, investor, film producer
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|'''Years active'''||1981–present
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|'''Known for'''||UTV Group, upGrad, Swades Foundation
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|'''Spouse'''||Zarina Mehta (m.); Manjula Nanavati (div.)
|-
|'''Children'''||1
|}

'''Ronnie Screwvala''' (born Rohinton Soli Screwvala on 8 September 1956) is an Indian entrepreneur, investor, and film producer. He is best known for founding '''UTV Software Communications''', co-founding '''upGrad''', and his contributions to India’s media, education, and startup ecosystem.

He is widely regarded as a pioneer of cable television in India and has played a significant role in shaping the country’s entertainment industry. Screwvala has also been featured in global influence lists, including '''Time 100''' and '''Esquire’s Most Influential People'''.

== Early Life and Education ==

Ronnie Screwvala was born in '''Mumbai, India''' into a '''Parsi family'''. His father worked as an executive in a British firm.

He studied at:

* '''Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai'''
* '''Sydenham College, Mumbai'''

During his school years, Screwvala developed a strong interest in theatre and participated in stage productions. He performed in plays such as ''Othello'' and ''Death of a Salesman'', which helped shape his creative interests.<ref>https://www.easterneye.biz/ronnie-screwvala-toothbrush-billionaire/</ref>

== Career ==

=== Early Entrepreneurship ===

Ronnie Screwvala began his entrepreneurial journey with a toothbrush manufacturing business. In '''1981''', he entered the entertainment sector by pioneering '''cable television in India''', at a time when Doordarshan was the only television channel available.

This early venture laid the foundation for his future in media and entertainment.<ref>https://www.filmibeat.com/celebs/ronnie-screwvala.html</ref>

=== UTV Software Communications ===

In '''1990''', Screwvala founded '''UTV Software Communications''', which grew into one of India’s leading media and entertainment companies.

UTV expanded into:

* Television content production
* Film production
* Gaming and digital media
* Broadcasting channels

The company produced several successful television shows and films, including early Indian reality content and popular daily soaps.<ref>https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/ronnie-screwvala-rsvp-bhopal-gas-tragedy-series-dominique-lapierre-1234845469/</ref>

UTV partnered with major global companies such as:

* News Corporation
* 20th Century Fox
* The Walt Disney Company
* Bloomberg

In '''2012''', Screwvala sold UTV to '''The Walt Disney Company''' in a deal valued at approximately '''$1.4 billion'''.

=== Film Production ===

Ronnie Screwvala has produced and co-produced numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films.

Some notable films include:

* ''Rang De Basanti'' (2006)
* ''Khosla Ka Ghosla'' (2006)
* ''Jodhaa Akbar'' (2008)
* ''Barfi!'' (2012)
* ''Uri: The Surgical Strike'' (2019)
* ''Kedarnath'' (2018)

After exiting UTV, he founded '''RSVP Movies''' in '''2017''', focusing on content-driven cinema and digital productions.

=== upGrad ===

Ronnie Screwvala co-founded '''upGrad''' in '''2015''', an online higher education platform.

upGrad provides:

* Professional certification programs
* Degree courses
* Skill-based learning in technology and management

The platform serves millions of learners across '''100+ countries''' and collaborates with universities and companies worldwide.

=== Unilazer Ventures ===

Screwvala founded '''Unilazer Ventures''', an investment company focused on early-stage and growth-stage startups.

The firm invests in sectors such as:

* Consumer businesses
* Education
* Healthcare
* Technology
* Agriculture

Through Unilazer, Screwvala has invested in several startups including Lenskart, TrueFan, and Lido.

=== U Sports ===

Ronnie Screwvala also founded '''U Sports''', focusing on sports development in India.

Key initiatives include:

* '''U Mumba''' – Kabaddi team in Pro Kabaddi League
* '''U-Dream''' – football training and development program
* Expansion into e-sports

== Philanthropy ==

Ronnie Screwvala co-founded '''The Swades Foundation''' with his wife '''Zarina Mehta'''.

The foundation focuses on rural development in India, working in areas such as:

* Education
* Healthcare
* Water and sanitation
* Livelihood development

The foundation aims to empower rural communities and improve quality of life for millions of people.

== Shark Tank India ==

Ronnie Screwvala joined the panel of investors (''Sharks'') in '''Shark Tank India Season 3'''.

His presence on the show brought extensive experience in entrepreneurship, investment, and media to the panel.

== Awards and Recognition ==

Ronnie Screwvala has received numerous awards and recognitions, including:

* Featured in '''Time 100''' (2009)
* Listed among '''Esquire’s 75 Most Influential People of the 21st Century'''
* Named among '''Fortune Asia’s Most Powerful People'''
* National Film Award for ''Rang De Basanti'' (2007)
* Multiple Filmfare and IIFA Awards

== Net Worth ==

Ronnie Screwvala’s estimated net worth is over '''$1.5 billion''', making him one of the prominent entrepreneurs in India’s media and startup ecosystem.

== Personal Life ==

Ronnie Screwvala is married to '''Zarina Mehta''', his second wife. She was also a co-founder of UTV and is actively involved in the Swades Foundation.

He was previously married to '''Manjula Nanavati''', with whom he has a daughter, '''Trishya Screwvala'''.

== Legacy ==

Ronnie Screwvala is regarded as one of India’s most influential entrepreneurs. From pioneering cable television to building a global media company and advancing online education, his contributions span multiple industries.

His journey reflects innovation, adaptability, and long-term vision, making him a key figure in India’s entrepreneurial and entertainment landscape.

== References ==
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[[Category:1956 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian entrepreneurs]]
[[Category:Indian film producers]]
[[Category:Indian investors]]
[[Category:People from Mumbai]]

[[en:Ronnie Screwvala]]

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Sakshi Singh: Ronnie Screwvala