India’s popular business reality show, Shark Tank India, has introduced a new face to its panel of esteemed judges. Srikanth Bolla, an inspiring entrepreneur and CEO of Bollant Industries, has officially joined the show in its fourth season. His journey from overcoming adversity to building a successful business empire makes his addition to the panel even more significant.
Srikanth Bolla Joins Shark Tank India
In a recent social media post, Srikanth Bolla shared his excitement about joining Shark Tank India. He posted a picture with the other sharks, captioning it, “To survive a pool of sharks, you need to become one yourself.”
Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity, Srikanth wrote, “Being on the set made me realize that dreams aren’t just for thinkers—they’re for the doers! It was a blast meeting all these accomplished entrepreneurs in the panel, and the pitches made were very inspiring — smelled innovation in the air!”
He also thanked fellow sharks Chirag Nakrani, Anupam Mittal, Namita Thapar, Jeet Adani, and Aman Gupta for their support and encouragement. Srikanth concluded his post with a motivating message: “Don’t just think about your idea, act on it, or someone else will!”
Who is Srikanth Bolla?
Srikanth Bolla is a visionary industrialist and the co-founder and CEO of Bollant Industries Private Limited. Born visually impaired, Srikanth faced numerous challenges but turned them into opportunities. He became the first visually impaired student to study Management Science at the prestigious Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Under his leadership, Bollant Industries, founded in 2012 with co-founder Ravi Mantha, has grown into a company with an annual turnover exceeding $150 million. Bollant manufactures eco-friendly products using recycled materials and provides employment to people with disabilities, creating a socially responsible business model.
Early Life and Challenges
Srikanth was born on July 7, 1991, in Seetharamapuram, Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, into a family of farmers with no formal education. Despite scoring 98% in his XII board exams, he faced rejection from engineering institutes due to his visual impairment. Determined to change his fate, Srikanth fought a legal battle and won, opening the doors to higher education.
Achievements and Recognition
- Srikanth Bolla has been a youth leader since 2005, becoming a part of Lead India 2020, a national youth movement initiated by former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
- In 2011, he co-founded the Samanvai Center for Children with Multiple Disabilities and set up a Braille printing press.
- In 2017, Forbes listed him in its 30 Under 30 list for Asia, recognizing his contributions to business and social impact.
- His life story inspired the Bollywood film Srikanth, starring Rajkummar Rao.
Bollant Industries: A Model for Social Entrepreneurship
Bollant Industries manufactures areca-based and recycled paper products, using municipal waste and plastic to create eco-friendly packaging. The company provides employment opportunities to people with disabilities, blending social impact with business success.
A Powerful Addition to Shark Tank India
Srikanth Bolla’s entry into Shark Tank India reflects the growing acceptance of diverse entrepreneurial journeys. His story is a reminder that innovation and success stem from resilience and determination. With his sharp business acumen and inspiring personal story, Srikanth is set to bring a new dynamic to the show, motivating budding entrepreneurs across India.
