When I heard that Srikanth Bolla is going to join Shark Tank India as a judge, I couldn’t help but feel truly happy and inspired. Here’s a guy who was born visually impaired, went through hundreds of roadblocks, and yet achieved things most people would never even aspire to. And now, he’s a member of the Shark Tank panel, investing in and mentoring new enterprises. What a moment!
In a world where individuals complain most of the time about hurdles, Srikanth’s tale is an inspiration of what perseverance genuinely resembles. His existence is evidence that perseverance, vision, and bravery can shatter any hindrance —regardless of how tough the situation is.
Journey of Grit and Determination
Srikanth was born on July 7, 1991, in Seetharamapuram, Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, into a simple farming family. His parents, who had no formal education, worked tirelessly to make ends meet. Their financial struggles were already a burden, and Srikanth’s visual impairment added another layer of difficulty to their lives.
From an early age, he was treated differently —not because he lacked intelligence, but because society was not ready to accept a visually impaired child as capable.
Although he had scored 98% in his Class 12 board exams, he was barred from admission to science streams because he was blind. But Srikanth was not the sort of guy who would take rejection lying down. Rather than giving up, he waged a legal battle for six months to gain his right to study science.
But the battle wasn’t over yet. When IIT coaching centers denied him entry, he knew that India wasn’t ready to nurture a person like him in the conventional education system. So, he looked to go abroad and applied to some of the world’s best universities.
His intellect, grit, and impressive academic background led to acceptance by Stanford, Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon, but he decided to pursue his studies at the MIT Sloan School of Management, becoming its first visually impaired student.
A Business That’s Changing Lives
Rather than accepting a cushy job overseas after MIT, Srikanth opted to go back to India with a larger vision—to provide opportunities to individuals like him who are neglected by society.
In 2012, he co-founded Bollant Industries, a firm that:
- Produces environmentally friendly packaging materials
- Transforms urban waste into recycled Kraft paper
- Makes disposable items from natural leaves
- Employs scores of people with disabilities
- Bollant Industries now has a turnover of over $150 million annually, which is proof that business and social mission need not be mutually exclusive.
Apart from his business, Srikanth also:
- Established the Samanvai Center for Children with Multiple Disabilities, where he set up a Braille printing facility for visually impaired children to assist the visually impaired students
- Represented India in blind cricket at the national level and played international chess
- Featured on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” Asia List in 2017
- Became Youth Leader for the Lead India Program and trained more than 800,000 youths in employability and leadership skills
Srikanth has recast the concept of success—not for himself alone, but for a whole generation of individuals who now take the chance to dream, irrespective of whatever restraints society has in store for them.
Srikanth Bolla’s Biopic – A Uplifting Story on the Silver Screen
Srikanth’s life was adapted into a Bollywood movie. Called “Srikanth”, the film features Rajkummar Rao in the protagonist’s role. Produced by Tushar Hiranandani, the film highlighted Srikanth’s life—his modest upbringing in a tiny village to becoming a world-renowned entrepreneur and leader. A Must watch.
The movie inspired millions, demonstrating how a man who was once deemed “unfit” to succeed went on to provide opportunities for others like him. Srikanth’s never-give-up attitude, his perseverance in seeking knowledge, and his battle against societal hurdles form a tale worth being shared.
Shark Tank India – A Platform for Visionaries
For those who are not aware, Shark Tank India is a reality television series where budding entrepreneurs present their business concepts to a group of successful investors, or “Sharks,” who determine if they will invest in their businesses. It’s available to watch on Sony LIV.
The show has been a key force in encouraging entrepreneurship in India, providing small entrepreneurs and inventors an opportunity to amplify their concepts with mentorship and capital. It has motivated millions by demonstrating that a good idea, if developed with proper support, can become a successful business.
With Srikanth Bolla on board, the program is not only gaining an investor, but also a true-life inspiration of grit and achievement in the face of adversity. His arrival will encourage millions of budding entrepreneurs, particularly those who come from poor backgrounds, to pursue their passions without fear.
A Moment of Pride
Srikanth’s story is not one of success—of overcoming—it’s one of breaking barriers. He has shown that adversity doesn’t define you, how you react to it does.
His statement, “To survive a pool of sharks, you need to become one yourself”, resonates harder when you know the sort of hurdles he has broken. From him, this is not a quote—it is lived experience.
For me, this is not only a new addition to Shark Tank. This is a moment of pride. A reminder that hard work, resilience, and belief in oneself can break any barrier. I can’t wait to see him in action, inspiring entrepreneurs and making dreams come true!
Final Thoughts
Srikanth Bolla’s life is a lesson in bravery, persistence, and the strength of never quitting. From a tiny village in Andhra Pradesh to MIT, from battling for his education to establishing a multi-million-dollar business, his journey is nothing short of unbelievable.
With his joining to Shark Tank India, Srikanth is again demonstrating that true leaders raise others up. He is more than an investor—he is an inspiration.
Welcome to the Tank, Srikanth Bolla! You absolutely deserve it.
