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{{Short description|Indian entrepreneur and philanthropist}}
{{COI|date=August 2016}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2026}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Zarina Screwvala
| image = Zarina Screwvala.jpg 
| image_size =
| caption = Screwvala in July 2016
| alt =
| birth_name = Zarina Mehta
| birth_place = [[Washington, D.C.]], U.S.
| birth_date = {{birth year and age|1961}}
| death_date =
| death_place =
| known_for =
| education =
| alma_mater = [[St. Xavier's College, Mumbai|St. Xavier's College]], [[Mumbai]]
| organization = Swades Foundation<br />[[UTV Motion Pictures|UTV Group]] (now [[Walt Disney India]])<br />[[Hungama TV]]<br />[[UTV Bindass]]
| occupation = {{hlist|Entrepreneur|Philianthropist}}
| spouse = [[Ronnie Screwvala]]
| children =
| relatives = [[Suhail Chandhok]] (son-in-law)
}}

'''Zarina Screwvala''' ({{nee|'''Mehta'''}}, born 1961) is an Indian entrepreneur and philanthropist. She is currently the Managing Trustee of Swades Foundation,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.swadesfoundation.org/ |title=Society to Heal Aid Restore Educate |publisher=Swades Foundation |access-date=18 March 2013 |archive-date=11 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211094811/http://www.swadesfoundation.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref> a foundation dedicated towards Rural Empowerment in India.<ref name="hindu2000">{{cite news|url=http://hindu.com/2000/10/15/stories/0415401s.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016084207/http://hindu.com/2000/10/15/stories/0415401s.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 October 2013 |title=Media moghul with a million dreams |date=15 October 2000 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=18 March 2013}}</ref>

Previously, she was the Chief Creative Officer at [[UTV Software Communications]] (which she co- founded) where she conceptualised, promoted and managed the [[UTV Bindass]], [[UTV Stars]], UTV Action and [[Hungama TV]] channels.

==Early life==
Mehta is from a [[Parsi]] family, her father [[Brigadier (India)|Brigadier]] Furdoon Siavax Byramji "Duck" Mehta (1920–2021) was an officer in the [[Indian Army]] - the first Indian aviator of the [[Army Aviation Corps (India)|Army Aviation Corps]] and the first Indian [[commanding officer]] of the [[9 (Parachute) Field Regiment (India)|9 Parachute Field Regiment]],<ref>[https://www.thetimes.com/uk/article/brigadier-furdoon-duck-mehta-obituary-pb0vmqf8n Brigadier Furdoon 'Duck' Mehta obituary] . ''[[The Times]]''.</ref><ref>[https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pioneer-of-indian-army-aviation-corps-not-averse-to-risk-7226094/ Pioneer of Indian Army Aviation Corps not averse to risk] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009183055/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pioneer-of-indian-army-aviation-corps-not-averse-to-risk-7226094/ |date=9 October 2023 }}. ''[[Indian Express]]''.</ref><ref>[https://zoroastrians.net/2020/03/03/the-distinguished-soldier-brig-rtd-furdoon-mehta/ The Distinguished Soldier – Brig (rtd) Furdoon Mehta] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230911133847/https://zoroastrians.net/2020/03/03/the-distinguished-soldier-brig-rtd-furdoon-mehta/ |date=11 September 2023 }}. ''Zoroastrians.net''.</ref> her mother Villie Mehta (died 2020) ran a catering business serving [[Parsi cuisine]].<ref>[https://www.indianwomenblog.org/keeping-parsi-cuisine-alive-villie-mehta-has-brought-back-recipes-from-the-1930s/ Keeping Parsi Cuisine Alive, Villie Mehta Has Brought Back Recipes from the 1930s] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109230638/https://www.indianwomenblog.org/keeping-parsi-cuisine-alive-villie-mehta-has-brought-back-recipes-from-the-1930s/ |date=9 November 2023 }}. ''indianwomenblog.org''.</ref><ref>[https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/opinion/the-informer/the-cameras-rolling/articleshow/76079739.cms Before lockdown, Juhi Chawla spotted in Bandra] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230911133849/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/opinion/the-informer/the-cameras-rolling/articleshow/76079739.cms |date=11 September 2023 }}. ''[[Mumbai Mirror]]''.</ref>

Zarina Mehta was born in [[Washington, D.C.]], in the [[United States]] and moved to India with her family at the age of eight. She finished her schooling from [[J.B. Petit High School for Girls|J.B. Petit School for Girls]] and went on to pursue her B.A. in economics from [[St. Xavier's College, Mumbai]].

She also holds a master's degree in Marketing and Advertising from [[St. Xavier's College, Mumbai|Xavier's Institute of Communications]].<ref name="indiantelevision1">{{cite news |url=http://www.indiantelevision.com/special/y2k6/ms_media/zarina.htm |title=Indiantelevision.com's Special Report > Ms Media: Zarina Mehta – 25 Women Who Matter |publisher=Indiantelevision.com |date=27 May 2006 |access-date=18 March 2013 |archive-date=16 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120116120551/http://www.indiantelevision.com/special/y2k6/ms_media/zarina.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Early career==
Screwvala started her career as a [[Production manager (theatre)|production manager]] for a play produced by reputed theatre artist [[Pearl Padamsee]]. It was during her stint with Pearl that she met [[Ronnie Screwvala]] and [[Deven Khote]] who later on became her business partners.<ref name="indiantelevision1"/>
[[File:Zarina Screwvala.jpg|thumb|Screwvala at the [[Horasis|Horasis India]] Meeting in 2016]]

==Career==

===United Television (UTV)===
Screwvala co- founded [[UTV Software Communications|UTV]] along with [[Ronnie Screwvala]] and Deven Khote in 1990.<ref name="hindu2000"/> During the initial days, the company made advertisements and corporate films. In 1990, [[UTV Software Communications|UTV]] became the first independent production.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.caravanmagazine.in/reportage/interpreter |title=The Interpreter |publisher=The Caravan – A Journal of Politics and Culture |access-date=18 March 2013 |archive-date=24 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324165209/http://caravanmagazine.in/reportage/interpreter |url-status=live }}</ref> house. UTV produced a quiz show for state TV channel [[Doordarshan]]. The show was titled 'Mashoor Mahal' and Screwvala was the assistant director of the show. Screwvala also created and directed The Mathemagic Show and produced various other shows like Lifeline (a short film), Contact and [[Shakuntala]]<ref name="indiantelevision1"/>

===Content creator, UTV===
UTV has been credited with the production of content for India's top entertainment channels like [[Zee TV]], [[Star India|STAR TV]] and [[Sony]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12641776 |title=BBC News – India profile – Timeline |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=26 February 2013 |access-date=18 March 2013 |archive-date=7 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130307192824/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12641776 |url-status=live }}</ref> Zarina and Ronnie Screwvala and Deven Khote gave the country its first-ever reality show – Saanp Seedi (1992) and first daily soap opera Shanti (1994). After the success of Shanti, Screwvala went on to produce various shows, each targeting a different segment of audience. The shows produced by Screwvala were Saaya (targeted at young adults), Snakes & Ladders, Hip Hip Hurray (targeted at teens) and Shaka Laka Boom Boom (targeted at kids).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://indiarelatednews.com/2007/09/15/shanti-the-serial-that-launched-mandira-bedi/#.UQY8NWeq-_4 |title=Shanti: The serial that launched Mandira Bedi |publisher=India Cine & TV news, masala |date=15 September 2007 |access-date=18 March 2013 |archive-date=15 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615132836/http://indiarelatednews.com/2007/09/15/shanti-the-serial-that-launched-mandira-bedi/#.UQY8NWeq-_4 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2005, Hungama TV===
In 2004, UTV launched [[Hungama TV]], an exclusive channel for kids. She became an integral part of [[Hungama TV]] by starting as its 'Head of Programming' and later went on to become the COO.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/utv-launches-hungama-tv/61180 |title=UTV Launches Hungama TV |publisher=Financialexpress.com |access-date=18 March 2013 |archive-date=16 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016055225/http://www.financialexpress.com/news/utv-launches-hungama-tv/61180 |url-status=live }}</ref>

She launched two very successful shows called [[Hero - Bhakti Hi Shakti Hai]] and Sanya and promoted<ref name="indiantelevision1" /> international hits like [[Doraemon]] and [[Crayon Shin-chan|Shin Chan]].

In 2005–2006, she ideated and executed a campaign called Hungama TV Captain's Hunt wherein the channel launched a nationwide search for a "board of directors" composed of kids whose job was to suggest what was right or wrong with content on [[Hungama TV]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/clinic-plus-hungama-tv-captains-hunt_187849.html |title=Clinic Plus Hungama TV Captains Hunt! |publisher=Moneycontrol.com |date=2 November 2005 |access-date=18 March 2013 |archive-date=10 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610215353/http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/clinic-plus-hungama-tv-captains-hunt_187849.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2006, Screwvala roped in Bollywood actor [[John Abraham (actor)|John Abraham]] as the channel's brand ambassador and launched the 'John Aur Kaun' campaign. The initiative aimed to give two kids the opportunity to star in the UTV produced [[John Abraham]] film, [[Goal (2007 Hindi film)|Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal]].

As a result of these marketing efforts, [[Hungama TV]] became the No. 1 Kids channel in India in<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.exchange4media.com/news/story.aspx?Section_id=24&News_id=23828|title=Hungama TV begins the hunt for 'John Aur Kaun' from December 2|publisher=Exchange4media.com|access-date=18 March 2013|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402135304/http://www.exchange4media.com/news/story.aspx?Section_id=24&News_id=23828|url-status=live}}</ref> and remained the leader until. In 2006, UTV sold [[Hungama TV]] to [[The Walt Disney Company India|the Walt Disney Company]] for $30.5 million.

===UTV Bindaas===
In 2007, Screwvala conceptualised and launched [[Bindass|UTV Bindaas]] – a 360-degree Young India entertainment channel that encompassed a channel, on-ground events, mobile entertainment, gaming and merchandising. The brand values of Bindaas were defined as Fun, Frank, Fearless and Freedom and the 360-degree brand targeted Indians in the age group of 15 – 34.

The USP of the channel was its unique programming – stand-up shows, Hollywood blockbusters and thrillers<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/power-women/255634/0 |title=Power Women |publisher=Financialexpress.com |access-date=18 March 2013 |archive-date=16 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016055659/http://www.financialexpress.com/news/power-women/255634/0 |url-status=live }}</ref> – that was tailored specifically for the target group. The investment into launching all verticals of Bindaas crossed the Rs. 2.7 billion mark.

In 2010, the brand launched a 'What I Am' campaign which aimed to be the voice of young India. In the same year, UTV Bindass was rated the number one youth channel in India. Mehta also spearheaded the overhaul of the UTV branding<ref>{{cite news |last=Lad |first=Mukta |url=http://www.campaignindia.in/Article/227791,what-i-am-utv-bindass-new-campaign-speaks-through-voice-of-youth.aspx |title='What I am': UTV Bindass' new campaign speaks through voice of youth |publisher=Campaign India |date=17 February 2010 |access-date=18 March 2013 |archive-date=25 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125110839/http://www.campaignindia.in/Article/227791,what-i-am-utv-bindass-new-campaign-speaks-through-voice-of-youth.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> and created its new identity with her team.

===Buy-Out===
In 2011, the [[Walt Disney Company]] announced plans to buy-out UTV for $454 million. The deal was finalised in February 2012. In July 2012, after 27 years in the industry, Screwvala quit Disney-UTV.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.afaqs.com/news/story/34809_Zarina-Mehta-decides-to-move-on-from-Disney-UTV |title=Zarina Mehta decides to move on from Disney-UTV |publisher=Afaqs.com |date=23 July 2012 |access-date=18 March 2013 |archive-date=25 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825181113/http://www.afaqs.com/news/story/34809_Zarina-Mehta-decides-to-move-on-from-Disney-UTV |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Philanthropy==

===Swades Foundation===
Zarina and Ronnie Screwvala set up UTV's Corporate Social Responsibility wing called Society to Heal, Aid, Restore, Educate (SHARE) with a vision to empower 1 million lives in the next 5 years across villages in the state of Maharashtra.

In 2012, SHARE was re-christened and launched as<ref name="livemint1">{{cite news |author=Nandini Ramnath |url=http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/3eqUHruqJff2L7zeRYJwYL/Zarina-Mehta--Channel-surfing.html |title=Zarina Mehta | Channel surfing |publisher=Livemint |date=20 August 2012 |access-date=18 March 2013 |archive-date=10 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610220642/http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/3eqUHruqJff2L7zeRYJwYL/Zarina-Mehta--Channel-surfing.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Swades. Swades is dedicated towards the cause of Rural Empowerment and works in the [[Raigad district|Raigad]] and [[Ratnagiri]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.co.in/swades-foundation-launch/ |title=Swades Foundation Launch |website=Box Office India |date=15 October 2012 |access-date=18 March 2013 |archive-date=17 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017061923/http://www.boxofficeindia.co.in/swades-foundation-launch/ |url-status=live }}</ref> districts of Maharashtra. Currently, Screwvala is the Managing Trustee of Swades and overlooks all the aspects of the Foundation's functioning.<ref name="livemint1"/>

==Personal life==
Screwvala lives in [[Breach Candy]], Mumbai with her husband Ronnie Screwvala. Her passions are her Labrador Sprite and reading. She studies philosophy at [[New Acropolis|New Acropolis India]] and is on the board of the [[Asia Society]].<ref>{{cite news |author=arzan sam wadia |url=http://parsikhabar.net/individuals/zarina-mehta-an-interview/775/ |title=Zarina Mehta: An Interview |publisher=Parsikhabar.net |date=4 December 2007 |access-date=18 March 2013 |archive-date=2 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702145350/http://parsikhabar.net/individuals/zarina-mehta-an-interview/775/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
*[http://www.swadesfoundation.org Swades Foundation]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20131225071737/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/business-creativity-have-to-exist-together-zarina-mehta/279981-55.html IBN Live]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Screwvala, Zarina}}
[[Category:1961 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from Mumbai]]
[[Category:Indian women philanthropists]]
[[Category:Indian philanthropists]]
[[Category:St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, alumni]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian businesswomen]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian businesspeople]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Parsi people from Mumbai]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian businesswomen]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian businesspeople]]
[[Category:UTV Software Communications]]

Zarina Screwvala - Revision history

Rajan Singh: started info - done