Draft:Sanjeev Bijli

Sanjeev Kumar Bijli is the Executive Director of PVR INOX, the largest cinema exhibitor in India and the fifth largest listed multiplex chain globally. He is the Co-Founder of PVR Cinemas and was the Joint Managing Director of PVR Limited before the merger with INOX Leisure Limited. At PVR INOX, Sanjeev manages programming, relationship with Hollywood studios, film distribution, content selection, development and growth strategy. He is also the Director of PVR INOX Pictures Limited, the motion picture arm of PVR INOX Limited.

Early life and education
Sanjeev Kumar Bijli was born in Manchester, UK and raised in Delhi, India. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Finance and Accounting from Salford University, Manchester. He went on to get his Master's in Business Administration from Imperial College, London University.

Career
Sanjeev joined PVR cinemas in 1998 as a Joint Managing Director of PVR Limited as one of the Co-Promoters and Shareholders of the company and held the position till the merger of PVR Limited with INOX Leisure Limited on 6th February 2023. He became the Director of PVR Lanka in 2019, with the opening of the first international venture of PVR, a 9-screen complex in the heart of Colombo.

Sanjeev launched PVR Director's Rare, an innovative alternate programming initiative by PVR Cinemas to promote the theatrical release of critically acclaimed independent films such as Mira Nair’s Salaam Bombay and French film, Notre-Dame on Fire. Sanjeev has been responsible in organizing the annual PVR Oscar Film Festival, aiming to connect Indian audiences with internationally acclaimed films from the Academy Award nominees. He also introduced anime content to Indian audiences by extending an invitation to Makoto Shinkai, for the release of Suzume in India.

Through PVR, Sanjeev initiated the screening of global concerts for Indian audiences in cinemas, featuring performances by renowned artists such as BTS, Metallica, Coldplay, and Taylor Swift "The Eras Tour".

CSR work
Sanjeev formed PVR NEST (Network for Enablement & Social Transformation), a social arm of PVR Limited that envisions safe and sustainable cities with multi-utility spaces that empower women and children. PVR NEST functions on a PPP (Private-public partnership) model led by Sanjeev. Sanjeev has also worked in the development of Pink Toilets and Garima Grih, Childscapes: Child Friendly Railways Stations and Green initiatives.

Awards and recognitions
Sanjeev is a member of Entrepreneurs Organization (EO). He has been nominated as a mentor in the ‘Business Blasters’ programme, the school start-up initiative of the Delhi Government. He has been honoured with the Business World Applause Person of the Year 2020.