Biography
Yusuf Shaikh is a multi-talented film producer. Born in Gujarat at Ahmedabad in a cinema owner's family, Yusuf's passion for the film world brought him to Mumbai in 1987. He became a day trader of films while studying commerce and an MBA degree. After helping his family with their film distribution and exhibition for many years, Yusuf started his own distribution banner, Yen Movies, in 1994.
Bull's eye!! His first film as a distributor was Mohra with the biggest producer Gulshan Rai. It was the biggest action film of the year 1994 which also launched the careers of 3 most promising superstars, Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty, and Raveena Tandon. After that Yusuf never looked back. After Mohra I released Khiladi Tu Anari, followed by Suhaag and Yarana. 2 more films with Shetty, one of which was a sleeper hit titled Suraksha. The next big thing that he got his hands on, was 'The Lost World' - (a sequel to Jurassic Park). Overall, from 1994 to 2002, 50 films as a distributor (mainly for the Gujarat region) and 50 cinema chains on lease as an exhibitor, gave Yusuf all the necessary experience as a film professional. After 2002, Yusuf joined the corporate world in India and was made the head of digital cinema at Fame Adlabs (Mumbai's first multiplex chain).
Joined Percept/Sahara JV in 2003 as head of full distribution, acquisition, and IPR management. A journey of independent films like Phir Milenge, Page 3, Hanuman 1 & 2, Malamaal Weekly, Yahaan, Doar, Traffic Signal, Corporate, Jai Santoshi Maa, Mumbai Express, etc. saw a total of 72 film debuts in a very short period. Most of these were independent films and still super successful. In the last 3 decades, Yusuf has had the opportunity to distribute more than 100 films across multiple genres and regions. In 2015, he started film production under his own banner with a bold concept movie "Sabki Bajegi Band" which launched Swara Bhaskar and Sumeet Vyas, Amol Parashar, etc As a producer, Yusuf has produced Ishqeria/ Pati Patni and Joe, Kirket, Sabki Bajegi Band, 16 August 1947, etc. Was associated as an executive producer of Dulha Mil Gaya, MSG, Bullets, Kuch Kuch Locha Hai etc
Yusuf was a distribution and marketing consultant for Newton, Kadvi Hawa, Halka, Rukh, Jia Aur Jia, Jaanisar, The Fakir of Venice, etc. Yusuf has also been the visiting faculty of MET College Mumbai since the last 10 years as the Film Business lecturer to Mass media and MBA students. Currently, he is an elected member of the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) and holds the position of International Convenor. Yusuf is also a committee member of the Film Federation of India.
