Vijay Amritraj

Vijay Amritraj is a tennis legend, global humanitarian, and celebrated media personality whose multifaceted career has left an indelible mark on sport, entertainment, and social advocacy. With 405 singles victories and 16 ATP titles, he holds the record for the most wins by any Asian man in tennis history. Alongside his brother Anand, he also claimed 13 doubles titles, earning a reputation for his elegant play, enduring sportsmanship, and charismatic presence. 

Beyond the court, Amritraj broke barriers as one of the first Asian actors in Hollywood. His most famous role was playing Vijay, an MI6 intelligence operative, in the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy and as a starship captain in the 1986 film Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. He later became a prominent tennis broadcaster, anchoring coverage for Wimbledon, the US Open, and other Grand Slam events with networks including Fox Sports and STAR-TV. 

With Amritaj’s extensive knowledge of politics and business within India, global media giants such as ABC, ESPN, Sony Entertainment, Turner Broadcasting, and IMG, secured him to hep them strategise helping successful expansion into India and South Asia. He also serves as a director of The Leela Group of Hotels and as brand ambassador for Vredestein Tires, Rolex, and Jaguar Land Rover.

In 2001, Amritraj was appointed as United Nations Messenger of Peace by Kofi Annan, he is only the eighth person in history to receive the honour. He has since been a global advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and anti-apartheid efforts, combining his platform with deep humanitarian purpose. In 2006, Amritraj founded The Vijay Amritraj Foundation, an international charity bringing hope, help and healing to the defenseless and innocent victims of disease, tragedy and circumstance in India. Amritraj is a recipient of the Indian government’s Padma Shri, the government of India’s fourth-highest civilian honour. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2024. In 2022, the International Tennis Federation and Hall of Fame jointly recognised his lifetime contributions to the sport. 

A feature documentary on his life is currently in production by Time Studios, directed by Oscar nominee Sami Khan.