Vijay Amritraj

Vijay Amritraj was born on December 14, 1953, in Madras, Madras State, India. Standing at 6’4″ (1.93 m), he became a public figure through his tennis career. For almost two decades, he was recognized as one of the world’s leading tennis players, holding the position of top tennis player in Asia for 14 consecutive years. His career was marked by significant achievements, including 13 doubles titles won alongside his older brother, Anand Amritraj. This period established his reputation in international sports, creating a foundation for his subsequent ventures.

Following his tennis career, Amritraj transitioned into broadcasting, serving as a leading tennis commentator for Fox Sports in the US and STAR-TV in Asia. This role allowed him to maintain a connection with the sport while expanding his media presence. Concurrent with his commentary work, he ventured into the entertainment industry, taking on acting roles in various productions, including appearances in major films such as “Octopussy” (1983) and “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home” (1986). His acting career also included roles in television series like “What a Country” (1986-1987) and “The Last Precinct” (1986).

Amritraj also established First Serve Entertainment, a California-based multimedia production company. This company became a key player in dealing with Asian-American content and was instrumental in facilitating the entry of major organizations like Disney, Turner, and ESPN into the Indian market. His work as a producer includes projects such as “Nine Deaths of the Ninja” (1985) and “Love You Hamesha” (1999). In addition, he launched his own fine wine collection with Indian wine producer Grover Zampa Vineyards, diversifying his entrepreneurial portfolio beyond sports and entertainment.