In the 1980s, Jackie Shroff emerged as one of Bollywood’s biggest names, headlining blockbuster films like Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan and Tridev. His charming screen presence and mass appeal made him a dependable
star who could draw crowds to theatres with ease.
However, as the 1990s rolled in and younger stars dominated the industry, Jackie gradually shifted towards supporting roles. Financial troubles also loomed large when his home production Boom flopped disastrously. But just when it seemed like Jackie was slipping, he bounced back, not through cinema, but through one of the most astute business investments in Bollywood history.
The Shroffs and the Birth of Sony TV in India
The turning point came in 1994, when India embraced globalisation under the New Economic Policy. Cable television was booming and international media giants were eyeing the Indian market. Jackie and his wife, Ayesha Shroff, played a key role in introducing Sony Entertainment Television to India.
Recalling those days in an interview with Zero1 Hustle’s YouTube channel, Ayesha shared, “We were setting up Sony Entertainment Television channel in India and it was a fantastic experience, to be honest. It was my first encounter with a whole corporate structure and that too, was Sony.”
She revealed that their group consisted of just seven people—each with unique expertise. Jackie contributed his fame and influence, while others brought in financial and technical knowledge. The negotiations with Sony went on for nearly a year, filled with paperwork, due diligence and corporate back-and-forths.
Convincing Sony With the Power of Bollywood
According to Ayesha, Sony was initially reluctant because they wanted a bigger investment from more established players. But the Shroffs had a different strategy. They threw an extravagant party for the Sony executives, attended by the crème de la crème of Bollywood.
Ayesha recalled that by the time the party ended at 6 AM, the Sony executive from Los Angeles was so impressed that he declared they would sign the contract with Jackie’s group. True to his word, the papers were finalised the very next day.
That one night not only sealed the deal but also opened the door for what would later become one of the most profitable investments in Jackie’s life.
A Return Beyond Imagination
When Jackie and his group finally exited their investment in the mid-2000s, the returns were staggering. The host of the interview asked Ayesha if the profit was close to 200 percent, to which she replied, “Much more.”
She went on to explain, “If you apply that concept to the deal, it was like Rs 1 lakh to Rs 100 crore back then.”
That’s a jaw-dropping one million per cent return on investment—making Jackie one of the wealthiest names in Bollywood during that era, second only to the likes of the Khans and Amitabh Bachchan.
Building a Business Empire Beyond Films
The windfall from the Sony deal laid the foundation for Jackie’s diverse business ventures. Over the years, he has invested in hospitality, sports leagues and other industries, ensuring a steady fortune beyond acting. Today, his net worth is estimated at around Rs 400 crore.
Despite his off-screen success, Jackie continues to be a familiar face in films. He was seen in Housefull 5, Good Bad Ugly and Tanvi The Great.
What’s Next for Jackie Shroff
Jackie’s career remains active and dynamic. His upcoming film Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, starring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday, is being directed by Sameer Vidhwans and is set for a 2026 release.
