Biography of Ronnie Screwvala: Indian Entrepreneur and Influential Figure
Biography of Ronnie Screwvala:
Ronnie Screwvala, born on September 8, 1956, is a well-known
figure in India. He's not just an entrepreneur but also an investor and a film
producer.
In 2008, Esquire recognized him as one of the 75 Most
Influential People of the 21st Century. Time Magazine also acknowledged his
influence, ranking him 78th among the 100 most influential individuals globally
in 2009. Additionally, Fortune Magazine included him in their list of 25 of
Asia's Most Powerful People.
Hailing from Mumbai, India, Ronnie Screwvala made
significant strides in the media and entertainment industry. He was a pioneer
in introducing cable television and went on to establish a conglomerate known as
UTV Software Communications.
UTV Software Communications became a powerhouse in the
industry, partnering with giants like News Corp, 20th Century Fox, The Walt
Disney Company, and Bloomberg. In 2012, Screwvala made a strategic move by
selling the company to Disney for a staggering enterprise value of US$1.4
billion.
The Early Years of Ronnie Screwvala: From Mumbai to the
World Stage
Ronnie Screwvala, born into a Parsi family, began his journey
in Bombay, now Mumbai. His father held a position at the esteemed British
company J L Morrison and Smith & Nephew. Growing up, Screwvala attended
Cathedral and John Connon School followed by Sydenham College for his
education.
During his school days, Screwvala discovered a passion for
theater. He actively participated in theatrical p+-roductions with Bombay
theatre, showcasing his talent in iconic plays such as Shakespeare’s Othello
and Death of a Salesman.
Ronnie Screwvala's Childhood: From Grant Road to
Entrepreneurial Beginnings
Ronnie Screwvala's Humble Beginnings at Grant Road
Ronnie Screwvala's upbringing was rooted in humble
beginnings, growing up in an apartment near Novelty Cinema in Grant Road.
Despite belonging to a lower-middle-class family, they lived comfortably in a
century-old building, although constant repairs were a norm.
Early Entrepreneurial Ventures: From Play-cum-Concerts to
Balcony Seats
Their apartment, situated on the first floor, housed not
only his immediate family but also his extended family members. Ronnie vividly
remembers the bustling corridor and the close-knit living arrangements. Despite
their modest lifestyle, Ronnie's childhood was filled with warmth and the
essentials they needed.
His childhood experiences instilled valuable philosophies
and ways of thinking in him, shaping his future endeavors. Observing the daily
hustle of adults trading goods on the streets ignited his entrepreneurial
spirit. At the age of ten, inspired by his neighborhood community, Ronnie
organized his first entrepreneurial venture—a series of play-cum-concerts
performed by local kids, which proved to be a success.
The Personal and Professional Journey of Ronnie Screwvala
Personal Life:
Ronnie Screwvala, now residing in Breach Candy, South
Mumbai, is married to Zarina Mehta, who played a significant role as a
co-founder in their media venture, UTV. Zarina now serves as the co-Trustee of
their philanthropic endeavor, The Swades Foundation. Ronnie's first marriage
was to Manjula Nanavati, with whom he shares a daughter named Trishya
Screwvala. Trishya runs her own non-profit organization called The Lighthouse
Project and is married to sports commentator Suhail Chandhok.
Early Ventures:
In his early entrepreneurial endeavors, Ronnie Screwvala
showed a knack for seizing opportunities. He ventured into diverse sectors,
including founding a toothbrush manufacturing company. However, it was his
pioneering efforts in introducing cable TV to India in 1981 that truly set him
apart. At a time when there was only a single terrestrial channel
(Doordarshan), Screwvala's vision expanded access to television across multiple
cities and hotel chains in the country. His influence extended further as he hosted
the popular quiz show "Mashoor Mahal" on Doordarshan in 1985.
The UTV Era: Ronnie Screwvala's Media Empire
In 1990, Ronnie Screwvala laid the foundation for United
Television (UTV), a venture that would redefine the landscape of Indian media.
Over the years, UTV evolved into a formidable conglomerate, encompassing a
prominent movie studio, a thriving games studio, and a creative content
company.
UTV's journey reached new heights when it went public and
became listed on stock exchanges in 2005, marking a significant milestone in
Screwvala's entrepreneurial career. During this period, Disney recognized the
potential of UTV and gradually acquired a substantial stake in the company.
Ultimately, in 2012, Ronnie Screwvala made a strategic
decision to divest the entire company to Disney, culminating a chapter of
remarkable growth and success in Indian media history.
Ronnie Screwvala's Ventures Post-2013: A Diverse Portfolio
of Impactful Initiatives
The Swades Foundation:
Alongside his wife Zarina, Ronnie Screwvala established The
Swades Foundation, inspired by the film of the same name he produced. Their
mission is ambitious yet noble: to uplift a million individuals out of poverty.
Presently, the foundation is actively engaged in Raigad district, Maharashtra,
across two thousand villages, impacting the lives of half a million people.
Their focus areas encompass water, sanitation, health, education, and most
importantly, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
upGrad:
Ronnie co-founded upGrad, a leading online education company
in India, specializing in higher education and skill development. With a focus
on digital marketing, data analytics, digital technology management,
data-driven management, and product management, upGrad has established partnerships
with esteemed institutions like MICA, offering quality education accessible to
a broader audience.
Biography of Ronnie Screwvala: Indian Entrepreneur and Influential Figure / Film director / Entrenepuer Ronnie Scre / Investor Ronnie Screwvala:
USports:
In the realm of sports, Ronnie initiated USports, targeting
three key areas: Kabaddi, eSports, and Football. U Mumba, his Kabaddi team, stands
as a powerhouse in the ProKabaddi League. Under the brand U Dreams, the focus
is nurturing and managing talent in football, aiming for professional careers both
domestically and globally.
RSVP Movies:
RSVP Movies marks Ronnie Screwvala's re-entry into the media
and entertainment industry, emphasizing the development of original scripts and
collaborations with directors who share a passion for storytelling. This
venture is poised to contribute fresh narratives to the cinematic landscape.
Unilazer:
Ronnie established Unilazer as a public equity company,
leveraging his entrepreneurial acumen to invest in promising ventures within
the Indian new economy sector. With a focus on early-stage investments and
fostering partnerships with founders, Unilazer's portfolio spans diverse
sectors, from e-commerce to AI and agriculture, aiming to drive innovation and
growth in emerging industries.
Ronnie Screwvala: An Influential Angel Investor and
Entrepreneur in India
Ronnie Screwvala is a highly respected figure in the Indian
entrepreneurial landscape, known for his investments and ventures in various
sectors.
Key Ventures:
As the Co-Founder and Chairman of upGrad.com, an edu-tech
platform, Screwvala is at the forefront of revolutionizing online education in
India. Additionally, he is the Founder of the Swades Foundation, committed to
uplifting communities out of poverty, and the Founder of Unilazer Ventures,
focusing on investing in promising startups.
Investment Portfolio:
Screwvala's investment portfolio spans a wide array of
sectors, including AI and ML, apparel, apps, and more. Some notable companies
he has invested in include 21K SCHOOL, DOGSPOT.IN, Insurejoy, and several
others, demonstrating his keen eye for promising ventures.
Focus Areas:
The startups in which Ronnie Screwvala invests often focus on critical areas such as cancer care, coaching classes for children, communication apps, and many more, reflecting his commitment to supporting ventures that make a meaningful impact on society.
Ronnie Screwvala's Extensive Filmography and Television
Contributions
Films:
Ronnie Screwvala's career as a film producer spans over
several decades, showcasing a diverse range of movies across genres. Some
notable films in his extensive filmography include "Swades,"
"Rang De Basanti," "Lakshya," "Fashion,"
"Barfi!," "Uri: The Surgical Strike," and many more. From
thought-provoking dramas to entertaining comedies, Screwvala's productions have
left a lasting impact on Indian cinema.
Television:
In addition to his contributions to the silver screen,
Ronnie Screwvala has made significant strides in the television industry. He
has been associated with various television shows either as a producer or an
executive producer. Some notable television projects include "Shaka Laka
Boom Boom," "Khichdi," "Shararat," and "Shark
Tank India." His involvement in television reflects his versatility and
commitment to delivering quality entertainment across different mediums.
Recognitions: Awards Received by Ronnie Screwvala's Films
Over the years, films produced under Ronnie Screwvala's
banner have garnered prestigious awards, cementing their place in Indian
cinema.
National Film Awards:
In 2007, "Rang De Basanti" was honored with the
National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment,
recognizing its impact and appeal to audiences across the nation.
Filmfare Awards:
Screwvala's productions have been consistently recognized at
the Filmfare Awards. In 2007, "Rang De Basanti" won the Best Film
award. Additionally, "Jodhaa Akbar" received the same honor in 2009,
while "Barfi!" followed suit in 2013, highlighting the quality and
diversity of Screwvala's cinematic endeavors.
IIFA Awards:
At the IIFA Awards, Screwvala's films have shone brightly.
"Rang De Basanti" received the Best Film award in 2007, recognizing
its exceptional storytelling and impact. The trend continued with "Jodhaa
Akbar" in 2009 and "Barfi!" in 2013, reaffirming Screwvala's
commitment to producing memorable and impactful cinema.
