Ronnie Screwvala, the go-getter behind UTV Group turned Walt Disney India, wears many hats – from film producer to philanthropist. He’s not just making movies; he’s making waves with ventures like Swades Foundation and upGrad. Ronnie’s not just a big name in media; he’s also diving into AI and e-learning startups, leaving his mark in the tech world. A true influencer, on and off the screen!
Ronnie Screwvala Bio / Wiki
Real Name | Rohinton Soli Screwvala |
Nick Name | Ronnie |
Also Known As | Ronnie Screwvala |
Profession | Entrepreneur & Film Producer |
Ronnie Screwvala Age
Birth Date | 08 September 1956 |
Age (as of 2024) | 67 Years |
Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
Ronnie Screwvala Height & Weight
Height (Approx) | In Feet – 5’9″ In Centimeters – 179 cm |
Weight (Approx) | In Kilogram – 77 kg In Pounds – 169 lbs |
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Family
Father | N/A |
Mother | N/A |
Brother | N/A |
Sister | N/A |
Ronnie Screwvala Girlfriend / Wife
Marital Status | Married |
Girlfriend | N/A |
Wife | First Wife – Manjula Nanavati Second Wife – Zarina Mehta |
Children | Son – N/A Daughter – Trishya Screwvala (From First Wife) |
Background & Religion
Religion | Zoroastrianism |
Mother Tongue | Parsi |
Food Habits | Non-vegetarian |
Hobbies | Singing, Acting |
Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
Residency | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
Nationality | Indian |
Early Life, Education & Career
School | Cathedral and John Connon School |
College / University | Sydenham College in Mumbai |
Education Qualification | Graduate |
Debut | Introduced Cable TV in India (1981) |
Career | Entrepreneur & Film Producer |
Ronnie Screwvala, born on September 8, 1956, in Mumbai, India, hails from a Parsi family. Born as Rohinton Soli Screwvala, his father held an executive position at the British firm J L Morrison and Smith & Nephew. Ronnie pursued his formal education at the Cathedral and John Connon School and later attended Sydenham College in Mumbai.
He is married to Zarina Mehta, his second wife, who is a co-founder of UTV, a media company. They have a daughter – Trishya Screwvala, with whom they live in Breach Candy, South Mumbai.
Ronnie Screwvala, a self-made Indian entrepreneur, started by introducing cable TV in India, later expanding into various media ventures. Despite challenges, he founded UTV Group, which eventually became Walt Disney India.
His story is one of determination, innovation, and success in Indian media. Beyond business, he made a mark in social entrepreneurship through the Swades Foundation, focusing on rural challenges.
Known for his diverse ventures like Swades Foundation, Unilazer Ventures, and upGrad, Screwvala invests in AI and e-learning startups, reflecting his commitment to innovation.
Facing early hurdles like establishing a media business in a time with one TV channel, his journey highlights resilience and strategic thinking. His philanthropy addresses challenges in rural India through the Swadesh Foundation.
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Awards & Achievements
Awards | 1. Named on Esquire’s list of the 75 Most Influential People of the 21st Century. 2. Listed amongst 25 Asia’s Most Powerful by Fortune Magazine 3. Nominated for BAFTA Award for Best Non-English Film – Rang De Basanti 4. Won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment at National Film Awards for Rang De Basanti (2007) 5. Won Best Film by Filmfare Awards and IIFA Awards for Jodha Akbar (2009) 6. Won Best Film by Filmfare Awards and IIFA Awards for Barfi (2013) |
Achievements | 1. Ranked 78 among the 100 most Influential People in the world on the Time 100 (compiled by Time Magazine, 2009) 2. Titled the Jack Warner of India by Newsweek |
Net Worth (as of 2024) (Approx) | ₹ 12,800 Crore $ 128 Billion |
Controversy
- In 2017, PVR Films filed a complaint against Ronnie Screwvala with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), alleging the spreading of false and misleading information on Twitter. This was claimed to have resulted in a drop in share prices.
- In 2022, Ronnie Screwvala, co-founder of Upgrad, made a critical remark about Byju’s in a tweet that was later deleted. The comment was related to a controversial lawsuit, and the tweet stirred discussions.
- In 2023, Ronnie Screwvala tweeted about the box office comparison between Pathaan and Dangal, later deleting the tweet. This sparked speculation and discussions on social media platforms.
- Ronnie Screwvala has achieved success in the media and entertainment industry and has made substantial contributions to philanthropy through the Swades Foundation. His impact in these fields highlights a multifaceted career and commitment to positive social initiatives.
Lesser Known Facts About Ronnie Screwvala
- Ronnie Screwvala’s entrepreneurial journey began a decade before the inception of UTV. Despite his father’s aspiration for him to become a Chartered Accountant, Ronnie, driven by his desire to start his own business, pursued opportunities in a different direction. While exploring business prospects, he worked as a copywriter.
- In addition to his business pursuits, Ronnie harbored a deep interest in theater and even took on acting roles in various professional plays. His journey in the world of theater led him to meet Zarina Mehta during his days with Pearl Padamsee.
- Currently, Ronnie is happily married to Zarina, and together with their daughter, Trishya Screwvala, they reside in Breach Candy, South Mumbai.
- As of 2015, Ronnie Screwvala is immersed in writing a book titled “Dream With Your Eyes Open.” Alongside this literary venture, he has hinted at the possibility of a TV show following the book’s release.
- During his childhood, Ronnie acquired the skill of swimming from his maternal uncle, a state-level swimmer. He began taking swimming lessons at the Mahatma Gandhi public swimming pool when he was just 8 years old.
- Ronnie firmly believes that entrepreneurs should not be hindered by mistakes; instead, they should embrace failures as valuable lessons that pave the way for future success. He emphasizes the importance of self-confidence and self-conviction for an entrepreneur, distinguishing it from ego, which he considers a waste of time.
- In terms of his professional goals, Ronnie aspires to build a company capable of impacting 35 million students in higher education and close to 300 million students in K-12 education. He holds the perspective that valuation is merely a moment for chest-thumping and urges entrepreneurs to concentrate on creating real value.
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