From Early Beginnings to Philanthropic Partnership: The Romantic Journey of Ronnie Screwvala and Zarina Mehta

Ronnie Screwvala, a visionary Indian entrepreneur and film producer, has built an empire spanning media, education, and social impact. Alongside his professional journey, his personal life, particularly his romantic relationships, has evolved from a private early marriage to a prominent partnership with his current wife, Zarina Mehta, with whom he shares not only a life but also significant professional and philanthropic endeavors.

While Ronnie Screwvala is a well-known public figure, details surrounding his earliest romantic entanglements remain largely private. It is publicly known that Manjula Nanavati was his first wife. From this marriage, Screwvala has a daughter, Trishya Screwvala, who has followed in her father's footsteps in the non-profit sector, establishing 'The Lighthouse Project'. Public information regarding the duration or specific circumstances of his first marriage to Manjula Nanavati is not widely available, reflecting a period of his life kept away from extensive media scrutiny.

Ronnie Screwvala's most publicly recognized and enduring relationship is with his wife, Zarina Mehta. Their partnership began significantly before their marriage, rooted in their professional collaboration. Zarina Mehta, an accomplished entrepreneur and philanthropist in her own right, met Ronnie Screwvala during her early career in theatre production. This meeting proved pivotal, as they, along with Deven Khote, went on to co-found United Television (UTV) in 1990. Their professional synergy soon blossomed into a personal bond, leading to their marriage.

Their union is characterized by a strong foundation of shared vision and mutual respect, extending beyond their personal lives into their professional ventures. As co-founders of UTV, they were instrumental in shaping India's media and entertainment landscape, pioneering cable television and producing groundbreaking content. Zarina served as the Chief Creative Officer at UTV Software Communications, playing a key role in launching channels like Hungama TV and UTV Bindass. Their collaborative spirit was a driving force behind UTV's success, which eventually led to its acquisition by The Walt Disney Company in 2012.

Beyond their media ventures, Ronnie and Zarina Screwvala have dedicated a significant portion of their lives to philanthropy. In 2013, they co-founded the Swades Foundation, an organization committed to rural empowerment in India. Zarina currently serves as the Managing Trustee of the foundation, actively overseeing its initiatives focused on health, education, water, sanitation, and livelihood opportunities in rural Maharashtra. Their joint commitment to social causes highlights a deep-seated shared value system that underpins their relationship.

The couple maintains a relatively private personal life despite their public profiles. They reside in Breach Candy, Mumbai, and are often seen together at industry events and philanthropic gatherings, presenting a united front. Their relationship is frequently cited as an example of a successful partnership, both personally and professionally, built on shared passions and a collective drive for impact. Recent public appearances, such as attending the pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in March 2024, continue to affirm their strong and enduring bond.

Ronnie Screwvala's romantic history, while not extensively detailed in the public domain, showcases a journey from a private early marriage to a powerful and collaborative partnership with Zarina Mehta. Their relationship stands as a testament to shared entrepreneurial spirit, philanthropic dedication, and a lasting personal connection that has profoundly influenced both their individual lives and the landscape of Indian media and social development.