Manoj Punjabi, born on December 7, 1972 (53 years old) in Jakarta, Indonesia, is a well-known film and TV producer. He became popular for making some of the biggest and most loved movies in Indonesia.
He made the hit movie KKN di Desa Penari, which earned more money than any other film in Indonesia. He also made other popular works like Ayat-Ayat Cinta, Habibie & Ainun, and the TV show Layangan Putus.
Manoj leads MD Entertainment, the biggest production company in Indonesia. He also made history by putting MD Pictures on the Indonesian Stock Exchange.
He is known for turning simple stories into popular films that people enjoy.
Want to know more about him?
Keep reading Manoj Punjabi’s biography and find out more about his life, wife, children, family, education, career, awards, net worth, and facts.
Manoj Punjabi Wiki & Early Life
| Full Name | Manoj Dhamoo Punjabi |
| Profession | Film and television producer; CEO of MD Entertainment |
| Age | 53 years old |
| Date of Birth | December 7, 1972 |
| Nationality | Indonesian |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Sagittarius |
| Birthplace | Jakarta, Indonesia |
| Current Address | Yet to be updated |
Manoj Punjabi Wife & Children
Manoj Punjabi is married to Shania. He has been in a committed relationship for over two decades with a woman who is not only his life partner but also his business partner.
Wife
Shania is a successful woman in her own right. She plays a major role in the business side of Manoj’s company. She is the President Commissioner of MD Pictures, the same company Manoj leads.
Together, they have built one of the biggest entertainment empires in Indonesia.
Even though they are both busy with work, they often make time for family and special moments.
In 2023, they celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary in Malibu, California, showing their deep and lasting bond.
Children
Sairaa Punjabi
Sairaa (born in 2000) is the eldest daughter. She mostly stays out of the public eye but has been seen at a few family events. Her life remains private, and not much else is known about her.
Nayla Punjabi
Nayla (born in 2004) is known for her quiet charm and graceful style. Some of her pictures have appeared online, gaining attention for her beautiful looks. She prefers a low-key life, like the rest of the family.
Rehaan Punjabi
Rehaan (born in 2007) is the youngest child. He hasn’t made public appearances, and his personal life is kept private. However, Manoj shares a close bond with him.
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Shania Punjabi |
| Children | Daughters: Sairaa Punjabi & Nayla Punjabi Son: Rehaan Punjabi |
Manoj Punjabi Family
Manoj comes from a Sindhi-Indian family based in Indonesia. His family has been part of the film and television business for many years.
Father
Dhamoo Punjabi is Manoj’s father. He is also involved in the entertainment world and played a key role in shaping Manoj’s career.
Together, they co-founded MD Entertainment in the early 2000s. Dhamoo has always supported Manoj’s vision and helped build their company into a major name in Indonesian media.
Mother
Sunita Punjabi is Manoj’s mother. Although she keeps a low profile and stays away from the media, she is a respected figure in the family.
She has been a steady support system behind the scenes throughout Manoj’s journey.
Family Background
Manoj comes from a Sindhi-Indian family based in Indonesia. His family has been part of the film and television business for many years.
His uncle, Raam Punjabi, is also a well-known producer and the founder of Multivision Plus, one of the oldest entertainment companies in Indonesia.
| Parent’s Name | Father: Dhamoo Punjabi Mother: Sunita Punjabi |
| Siblings | Yet to be updated |
Manoj Punjabi Education
Manoj Punjabi attended Gandhi Memorial Intercontinental School in Jakarta. This very international school is where he completed his early education.
Higher Education
He then went on to study at the Indonesian European University (now Swiss German University), where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Finance in 1993.
| School | Gandhi Memorial Intercontinental School in Jakarta |
| Alma Mater | Indonesian European University |
| Highest Qualification | Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Finance |
Manoj Punjabi Career
Manoj Punjabi was born into a family that already had strong roots in the entertainment world.
His uncle, Raam Punjabi, was a well-known producer and the founder of Multivision Plus, one of the biggest TV production houses in Indonesia during the 1990s.
In his early career, Manoj worked within this family business. He learned how TV shows and films were made, how audiences reacted to content, and how the media industry worked from the inside.
These early years gave him valuable knowledge and experience, but he also wanted to create his own path.
Founding MD Entertainment (2002)
In 2002, Manoj made a bold move. He decided to leave the comfort of the family-run company and start something new with his father, Dhamoo Punjabi, and wife Shania. Together, they launched MD Entertainment.
At that time, Indonesian TV was filled with traditional soap operas. Manoj brought a fresh touch to storytelling, focusing on emotional dramas, family stories, and cinematic production quality.
Some of the early TV shows that brought attention to MD included:
- Cinta Fitri
- Bawang Merah Bawang Putih
- Kau Masih Kekasihku
Entering the Film Industry
After building success on TV, Manoj took the next big step into movies. Under the new arm called MD Pictures, he started making feature films.
His goal was to lift the quality of Indonesian films and bring them to a wider audience.
Some of his most notable films include:
- Ayat-Ayat Cinta (2008) – A romantic drama that became a major hit and started a trend of religious-themed love stories in Indonesia.
- Habibie & Ainun (2012) – A deeply emotional biopic of Indonesia’s former president and his wife, which touched millions.
- Surga yang Tak Dirindukan (2015) – Another box office success that continued his strong grip on the romance genre.
- KKN di Desa Penari (2022) – A horror film based on a viral internet story.
Embracing Streaming and Digital Platforms
As digital platforms began to rise, Manoj was quick to adapt. He started producing content for streaming apps such as:
- WeTV
- Iflix
- Netflix
One of his most popular online shows was Layangan Putus (2021), a story about love and broken trust. It became very famous in Indonesia and was noticed in other Southeast Asian countries, too.
Making Business History
In 2018, Manoj took a historic step by listing MD Pictures on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX).
It was the first Indonesian film company to be listed on the stock market. This was a big success, not just for him, but also for Indonesia’s entertainment world.
Going public allowed MD to raise funds, expand further, and become a stronger player in the Southeast Asian media market.
Moving Into Broadcasting
In late 2024, MD Entertainment acquired around 80% of NET TV, a free-to-air TV channel in Indonesia.
This was a strategic move. Manoj wanted to have full control from making the content to broadcasting it directly into people’s homes.
| Year | Role / Achievement | Company / Network |
| 1990s | Learned the business at the family’s company | Multivision Plus |
| 2002 | Co-founded MD Entertainment | MD Entertainment |
| 2007–2018 | Produced popular TV shows and films | MD Entertainment Pictures |
| 2008 | Released Ayat-Ayat Cinta | MD Pictures |
| 2012 | Released Habibie & Ainun | MD Pictures |
| 2015 | Released Surga yang Tak Dirindukan | MD Pictures |
| 2018 | Took MD Pictures public on IDX | Indonesia Stock Exchange |
| 2021 | Released hit web series Layangan Putus | WeTV/MD Entertainment |
| 2022 | Released KKN di Desa Penari | MD Pictures |
| 2024 | Acquired 80% of NET TV | MD Entertainment/NET TV |
Awards and Achievements
Manoj Punjabi has earned recognition over the years for his outstanding contributions to Indonesian film and television.
Below is a breakdown of his achievements:
| Year | Award Name | Reason |
| 2005 | Panasonic Awards – Drama Series Favorite | For Bawang Merah Bawang Putih, a hit TV drama series |
| 2016 | Indonesian Box Office Awards – Best Box Office Film | For Surga yang Tak Dirindukan |
| 2021 | Festival Film Wartawan Indonesia – Piala Gunungan (Best Comedy Film) | For Sabar Ini Ujian |
Controversies
Although Manoj Punjabi has mostly stayed away from public scandals, a few notable leadership changes at NET TV in 2024 caught media attention.
Here’s a quick look:
| Year | Controversy | Detail |
| 2024 | Resignation from NET TV | Manoj and his wife Shania resigned from their roles at NET TV on November 5, accepted on November 7, 2024. |
| 2024 | Position Change at NET TV | After stepping down, Manoj became the President Commissioner of NET TV, replacing Shania. |
Manoj Punjabi Net Worth, Salary
Manoj Punjabi has an estimated net worth of around $1.8 billion. While his exact annual salary is yet to be updated, most of his wealth comes from business profits, not a fixed paycheck.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | $1.8 billion |
| Salary (Approx.) | Yet to be updated |
Manoj Punjabi Height, Weight & Physical Stats
Manoj Punjabi has black hair and shining black eyes. While exact details about his height, weight, and body measurements are yet to be updated.
He is often seen wearing formal outfits, especially during media events, business meetings, and film promotions.
| Height | In centimetres: Yet to be updated In meters: Yet to be updated In feet & inches: Yet to be updated |
| Weight | In kg: Yet to be updated In lbs: Yet to be updated |
| Body Measurements | Yet to be updated |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
Manoj Punjabi Instagram, X, Facebook
 @manojpunjabimd | |
| X |  @manojpunjabimd |
 @manojpunjabimd |
Interesting Facts About Manoj Punjabi
- Manoj Punjabi has co-founded MD Entertainment with his wife and father.
- Manoj made history by taking MD Pictures public on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2018.
- His film KKN di Desa Penari became the highest-grossing Indonesian movie of all time.
- He’s known for reviving Indonesian horror films and raising production quality.
- Manoj once celebrated his wedding anniversary in Malibu, California.
FAQs
Who is Manoj Punjabi?
Manoj Punjabi is an Indonesian film and TV producer and the CEO of MD Entertainment, known for producing some of the country’s biggest hits.
Is Manoj Punjabi married?
Yes, Manoj Punjabi is married to Shania Punjabi. They tied the knot in 2000 and have three children together.
What are some of his famous movies?
Some of Manoj Punjabi’s most popular films include Ayat-Ayat Cinta, Habibie & Ainun, and KKN di Desa Penari.
What is Manoj Punjabi’s role at NET TV?
Currently, Manoj Punjabi serves as the President Commissioner of NET TV, after acquiring majority ownership.
