Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ In a remarkable achievement, Ronnie Screwvala has secured his place in history as the first-ever Bollywood personality to be included in Forbes’ World’s Billionaires List 2025. With a net worth of $1.5 billion, Screwvala surpasses the combined wealth of Bollywood’s iconic trio, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan, making him the only figure from the Hindi film industry to enter the prestigious Forbes list this year. Forbes reports that Screwvala’s wealth exceeds the total fortune of the three Khans, whose combined net worth stands at $1.38 billion, with Shah Rukh Khan at $770 million, Salman Khan at $390 million, and Aamir Khan at $220 million. This milestone highlights Screwvala’s remarkable rise beyond the traditional realm of Bollywood, cementing his status as one of India’s most successful entrepreneurs.
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Screwvala, 68, has had an extraordinary career journey. Starting in the 1970s as a toothbrush manufacturer, he soon ventured into the world of entertainment and media. In 1990, he founded UTV, later known as UTV Motion Pictures, which revolutionized Indian cinema and television. Under his leadership, UTV produced several critically acclaimed films such as Swades, Rang De Basanti, Khosla Ka Ghosla, and Jodhaa Akbar, to name a few. The company also achieved widespread recognition for its iconic TV shows, including Shanti, Hip Hip Hurray, and Khichdi. In 2012, Screwvala made a strategic move by selling UTV to The Walt Disney Company for over $450 million, a deal that marked a significant milestone in his career. Despite stepping away from the day-to-day operations of UTV, he continued his association with Disney India as the Managing Director.
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Furthermore, expanding his influence beyond entertainment, Screwvala co-founded upGrad, an edtech giant headquartered in Mumbai. The company has transformed the education landscape in India, offering online courses and degree programs in collaboration with top global universities. Screwvala’s success is not limited to business. He is deeply committed to philanthropy through the Swades Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife, Zarina Screwvala. The foundation focuses on rural development and empowerment across India, working tirelessly to uplift communities in need.
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Reflecting on his formative years, Screwvala credited his passion for theatre for shaping his personality, attributing it to the development of his soft skills, self-confidence, and collaborative spirit. He also expressed his admiration for the changing aspirations of India’s youth, emphasizing the importance of meeting their expectations in a rapidly evolving society. Ronnie Screwvala’s journey from the entertainment industry to becoming one of India’s wealthiest individuals is a testament to his vision, resilience, and purpose-driven approach to life. His place in the Forbes World’s Billionaires List is a celebration of his extraordinary accomplishments that go beyond the glitz and glamour of Bollywood.
