Srikanth Bolla, the visionary founder and chairman of Bollant Industries, is set to make waves as a ‘shark’ in Shark Tank India Season 4. Many may recognize his name from the Bollywood biopic Srikanth, where Rajkummar Rao brought his inspiring journey to life. But who is Srikanth Bolla beyond the silver screen?
Overcoming Adversity: A Journey of Determination
Born on July 7, 1991, in Seetharamapuram, Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Srikanth was visually impaired from birth. Despite facing immense challenges in accessing education, he never let his disability define him. His academic journey began at Denvar School for the Blind in 1998, where he completed his secondary school education in 2007. Determined to excel, he pursued Math, Physics, and Chemistry at the Royal Junior College, scoring an impressive 98% in his Class 12 examinations.
Beyond academics, Srikanth showcased his talent in sports. Reports suggest that he was an active member of the Andhra Pradesh State Blind Cricket Team and competed in multiple zonal, state, and national-level chess and cricket tournaments, winning several accolades. His passion for these games remained strong throughout his school years.
From MIT to Entrepreneurship: Building a Legacy
Srikanth’s pursuit of excellence took him across borders. He moved to the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management in Massachusetts, Cambridge, to further his education. From February 2009 to May 2013, he worked as an undergraduate research assistant at MIT’s Sinha Lab for Development Research while also interning at various organizations. His LinkedIn profile indicates that he completed a summer internship at Infosys Ltd. between July and September 2011.
In October 2011, Srikanth became the Executive Director of the MIT International Development Club (IDC), overseeing fundraising efforts for the nonprofit, student-run organization. His passion for social change extended further—he co-founded Samanvai Centre for Children with Multiple Disabilities in January 2011, a nonprofit dedicated to providing customized learning and holistic development support for children with special needs.
Leading Bollant Industries and Inspiring Entrepreneurs
His leadership journey didn’t stop there. Since November 2021, Srikanth has served as the Vice President of Operations and a Board Member at Lead India Foundation. However, his most remarkable role began in September 2012 when he became the chairman of Bollant Industries Pvt Ltd. His company, which empowers disabled individuals by providing employment opportunities, has grown significantly under his leadership.
And now, Srikanth Bolla is stepping into the limelight once again—as a judge on Shark Tank India. His journey from overcoming adversity to building a thriving business is a testament to resilience and determination. Recognizing his remarkable achievements, Forbes Asia featured Srikanth in its prestigious 30 Under 30 list of emerging entrepreneurs in 2017.
As he joins Shark Tank India, Srikanth Bolla brings not just business acumen but also a story that will inspire countless aspiring entrepreneurs.
