Meet Bollywood's only billionaire: Richer than Shah Rukh Khan, Aditya Chopra, and Karan Johar, once a toothbrush salesman
PTC News Desk: The film industry is known for its glamour, stardom, and massive revenue generation. In 2023, Hindi films alone earned an astonishing Rs 13,161 crore worldwide, with $600 million coming from international markets. This wealth has made many stars and producers incredibly rich. However, only one individual in Bollywood has achieved the status of a dollar billionaire.
Film producer Ronnie Screwvala holds the title of Bollywood’s richest person and its only dollar billionaire. According to Forbes, Screwvala boasts a net worth of $1.55 billion (roughly Rs 13,000 crore). His success places him ahead of other major Bollywood figures like Bhushan Kumar of T-Series, whose net worth is just under a billion. Bhushan Kumar’s family, collectively, is valued at $1.2 billion, according to the Hurun Rich List. Following them on the list are industry heavyweights Aditya Chopra and Shah Rukh Khan, both worth over $850 million, with Juhi Chawla, India's richest female actor, rounding out the top five with a net worth of $550 million.
Screwvala’s journey to becoming a billionaire began with humble roots. His first venture was a toothbrush manufacturing business in the 1970s. Later, in the early 1980s, as cable TV gained popularity in India, Screwvala moved into the cable business. With an initial capital of just Rs 37,000, he founded UTV in 1990. The company started as a television production house, creating beloved shows like Shanti and Sea Hawks. UTV soon transitioned into film production, delivering hits such as Swades, Jodhaa Akbar, Fashion, Barfi!, and Chennai Express.
In 2012, Screwvala made headlines when he sold his stake in UTV to Disney for a staggering $1 billion, marking one of the biggest deals in Indian cinema. He later launched RSVP Movies, a new production company behind successful films like Uri: The Surgical Strike and Kedarnath.
Although Bollywood played a key role in his rise to billionaire status, Screwvala's wealth extends far beyond film production. He has invested in several companies, including pGrad, Usports, and Unliazer, contributing significantly to his financial portfolio. Additionally, Screwvala showcased his entrepreneurial expertise as a judge on Shark Tank India season 3.
Screwvala’s journey from a toothbrush manufacturer to Bollywood’s sole billionaire is a testament to his sharp business acumen and ability to spot opportunities across industries.
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- With inputs from agencies
