About Ronnie Screwvala
- Full Name: Rohinton Soli Screwvala
- Born: 8 September 1956, Mumbai
- Profession: Entrepreneur, Film Producer, Investor
- Known For: Founder of UTV Group, Co-founder of UpGrad
- Spouse: Zarina Screwvala
About Ronnie Screwvala
Ronnie Screwvala is one of India’s most influential entrepreneurs, film producers, and media pioneers. He is best known for building a media empire with UTV Group and later transitioning into education and philanthropy.
📌 Quick Profile
- Full Name: Rohinton Soli Screwvala
- Born: 8 September 1956, Mumbai
- Profession: Entrepreneur, Film Producer, Investor
- Known For: Founder of UTV Group, Co-founder of UpGrad
- Spouse: Zarina Screwvala
🎥 Career in Media & Films
Ronnie started his journey by manufacturing toothbrushes before entering the entertainment industry. He founded UTV Group in the 1990s, which became one of India’s biggest media companies.
Key Highlights:
- Built UTV into a powerhouse in TV, film production, and digital content
- Sold UTV to The Walt Disney Company in a landmark deal (around $1.4 billion)
- Produced several critically acclaimed and commercial films under UTV Motion Pictures
Notable Films Produced:
- Rang De Basanti (2006)
- Jodhaa Akbar (2008)
- Barfi! (2012)
- Chennai Express (2013)
🎬 RSVP Movies (New Venture)
After exiting UTV, he launched RSVP Movies, focusing on content-driven cinema.
Popular Films:
- Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019)
- The Sky Is Pink (2019)
- Sam Bahadur (2023)
🎓 Education & UpGrad
Ronnie co-founded UpGrad, one of India’s leading online higher education platforms.
What UpGrad Does:
- Offers online degrees and certifications
- Focuses on career-oriented education
- Partners with global universities
🤝 Philanthropy
Through the Swades Foundation, Ronnie and Zarina Screwvala work on rural development in India.
Focus Areas:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Water & sanitation
- Livelihood programs
🏆 Awards & Recognition
- Featured in Time 100 most influential people (2010)
- Honored with multiple entrepreneurship and media awards
📚 Author
Ronnie Screwvala wrote the book:
- Dreamers — A guide for aspiring entrepreneurs on building successful businesses
💡 Legacy & Impact
Ronnie Screwvala is often called a “first-generation entrepreneur” who transformed India’s entertainment and edtech industries. His journey—from a small manufacturing business to billion-dollar ventures—makes him a major inspiration for startups and young entrepreneurs.
Ronnie Screwvala Career
| Year / Period | Phase | Key Activities | Major Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970s | Early Career | Started with toothbrush manufacturing business | First entrepreneurial venture |
| 1980s | Cable TV Entry | Entered cable TV distribution in India | Built early media distribution network |
| 1990 | Foundation | Founded UTV Group | Entry into media & entertainment industry |
| 1990–2000 | Expansion | TV content, animation, early film production | Established UTV as a growing media company |
| 2000–2005 | Film Breakthrough | Produced films like Swades, Lakshya | Recognition in Bollywood |
| 2006–2010 | Golden Phase | Produced hit films (Rang De Basanti, Jodhaa Akbar) | Became top film producer in India |
| 2011–2012 | Peak & Exit | Expanded UTV globally | Sold UTV to The Walt Disney Company (~$1.4B deal) |
| 2013–2016 | Transition | Focus on investments & philanthropy | Strengthened Swades Foundation |
| 2017 | New Venture | Founded RSVP Movies | Re-entered film production |
| 2018–2020 | OTT Era | Produced digital-first content | Love Per Square Foot, Uri success |
| 2015–Present | EdTech | Co-founded UpGrad | Built leading online education platform |
| 2020–Present | Diversification | Films + startups via Unilazer Ventures | Continued success in films & investments |
| 2025–Present | Industry Leader | Active in films, edtech, philanthropy | Among India’s richest media entrepreneurs |
🧠 Key Takeaways
- Transitioned from manufacturing → media → global exit → edtech
- Built and exited UTV (billion-dollar deal)
- Reinvented himself with RSVP Movies + UpGrad
- Maintains influence across entertainment, education, and startups
