Ronnie Screwvala BEATS SRK, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan to become Bollywood’s first billion-dollar mogul

Ronnie Screwvala BEATS SRK, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan to become Bollywood’s first billion-dollar mogul

By Entertainment Desk| April 4, 2025

Image Credit: Instagram.com

Ronnie Screwvala has made it to Forbes’ World’s Billionaires List 2025. With a net worth of $1.5 billion, he is now the richest figure in Hindi cinema. His wealth surpasses even Bollywood’s biggest stars.

Bollywood’s big billionaire

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Image Credit: Instagram.com

Screwvala’s fortune exceeds the combined wealth of SRK, Salman & Aamir. Together, the Khans are worth $1.38 billion—less than Screwvala alone. It’s a major shift from stardom to entrepreneurial success.

Surpassing the three Khans  

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Image Credit: Instagram.com

Born in Mumbai, Ronnie began his career manufacturing toothbrushes. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Mumbai University.  

From Toothbrushes to box office

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Image Credit: Instagram.com

In 1990, Screwvala launched UTV, later rebranded as UTV Motion Pictures. He produced a string of landmark films over two decades.  The company became a powerhouse in Indian entertainment.

Building the UTV empire

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Image Credit: Instagram.com

He backed celebrated movies like Rang De Basanti, Swades, Barfi, and Delhi Belly. Also produced hits like Jodhaa Akbar, Fashion, Khosla Ka Ghosla, Sam Bahadur, and Tejas. These films defined modern Hindi cinema.

Producer of iconic films

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Image Credit: Instagram.com

UTV also created iconic TV shows like Shanti, Khichdi, and Shararat. Youth hits like Hip Hip Hurray and Shaka Laka Boom Boom were fan favourites. His impact spanned both big and small screens.

Creating TV classics too  

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Image Credit: Instagram.com

In 2012, Screwvala sold UTV to Disney for over $450 million. He then headed Disney India as its managing director. It marked one of the biggest deals in Indian media.

Disney buys UTV

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Image Credit: Instagram.com

Ronnie Screwvala co-founded upGrad, a leading online education platform. He currently serves as its Chairperson. His vision continues to shape India’s startup ecosystem.

Leading in Edtech with upGrad

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Image Credit: Instagram.com

He credits theatre for his soft skills and confidence. During his schooling days, he acted in professional plays with Bombay theatre as a hobby. It laid the foundation for his career in storytelling.

Theatre shaped his journey  

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Image Credit: Instagram.com

Ronnie and his wife Zarina lead the Swades Foundation. The NGO focuses on rural development and empowerment. His journey is a blend of business success and social impact.

Giving back through Swades Foundation  

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Next: Remembering late Manoj Kumar’s works and legacy
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