Ronnie Screwvala, the celebrated film producer and entrepreneur, has crafted one of the most remarkable success stories in Bollywood, transforming early setbacks into a vast ₹13,314 crore empire. According to the Hurun India Rich List 2025, he now ranks as the richest individual in the Hindi film industry, surpassing even iconic stars and producers.
Screwvala’s entry into cinema was far from smooth. His first production venture, Dil Ke Jharokhe Mein (1997), was a major box-office failure, and the next five films he backed also flopped, posing a stern test to his resolve as a filmmaker. at the time, he had no “Plan B”, drawing strength from his determination and belief in his vision rather than industry formulas.
Realising that mimicking established industry practices wasn’t the path forward, Screwvala refocused on original ideas and storytelling. This shift bore fruit, most notably with Rang De Basanti, a creatively ambitious and commercially successful film that helped redefine his reputation in Hindi cinema.
Beyond filmmaking, Screwvala’s business acumen has been key to his wealth. He built UTV Motion Pictures into a major production house before selling it, and later launched RSVP Movies, producing a diverse slate of acclaimed films. His ventures span entertainment, media and digital businesses, contributing to his position at the top of Bollywood’s wealth charts.
Screwvala’s journey from early flops to enduring success highlights how persistence, strategic reinvention and a focus on meaningful content can build both cultural impact and financial success in India’s film industry.
