Mumbai: UTV Software Communications CEO and founder chairman Ronnie Screwvala has been named in Esquire’s List of the 75 Most Influential People of the 21st Century.

The list, which appears in the 75th anniversary edition, recognizes individuals who are making history across every field of endeavor.

Esquire recognized Screwvala for partnering with Walt Disney, Fox Searchlight, Sony and Will Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment Production company to expand the global reach of UTV.

On Screwvala achievements, the magazine commented, "This entrepreneur has positioned himself as the king of all Indian media Since helping to introduce Indians to cable in 1981 and daily soap operas in 1994, he has staked out lucrative positions in the country’s broadcasting, internet and video-gaming industries."

Esquire further added, "Screwvala and his UTV film unit have co-opted Western concepts like co-financing, diversifying revenue models and brand extensions, driving a surge in industry wide profits and improving the quality and cachet of Indian films. He’s earned comparisons to Louis Mayer and Jack Warner, proto-moguls who turned moviemaking into a global business."