Ronnie Screwvala, creator of UTV Software Communications and, till recently, MD of Walt Disney India, says he has nothing to do with media or entertainment any more. As always, he wears a relaxed, casual air in his sprawling and tastefully done Breach Candy apartment in Mumbai. With the Arabian Sea stretching out to the horizon behind him, he begins to craft his words carefully and softly.

In February 2012, Screwvala walked away from UTV. The Walt Disney Co., which was already a majority partner with around 50.44 per cent of the firm, bought Screwvala and his associates’ 20 per cent stake for $454 million (then Rs 2,500 crore). He stayed on as MD of the merged Disney India for a while, and then anointed protégé Siddharth Roy Kapur as the new head in October last year. Now, he is literally ploughing a new furrow.

“I am amazed at the number of people who are amazed that I want to get out of Bollywood and media,” says Screwvala, his eyes twinkling. “Everyone wants to get in; and I want to get out.”