Dharma Productions Welcomes New Partner; Adar Poonawalla Acquires 50% Stake

Alifiya H Ujjainwala
Alifiya H Ujjainwala

Karan Johar Instagram/ Fortune India

Renowned filmmaker and producer, Karan Johar, has announced a significant partnership with Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of the Serum Institute of India. The latter will acquire a 50% stake in Dharma Productions, the production house behind numerous Bollywood hits.

This partnership marks a major milestone for Dharma, which had been actively seeking an investor. While several names were associated with the deal, Adar Poonawalla emerged as the chosen partner. He will be investing a substantial sum of Rs 1000 crore in Dharma Productions and its digital arm, Dharmatic Entertainment.

Karan Johar, who has been at the helm of Dharma Productions for years, will continue in his role as Executive Chairman. Apoorva Mehta will also stay on as Chief Executive Officer, ensuring continuity in the company’s leadership.

Commenting on the same, Karan Johar said, “From its inception, Dharma Productions has been synonymous with heartfelt storytelling that captures the essence of Indian culture. My father dreamed of creating films that would leave a lasting impact, and I’ve dedicated my career to expanding that vision. Today, as we join forces with Adar, a close friend, and an exceptional visionary and innovator, we’re poised to elevate Dharma’s legacy to new heights. This partnership represents a perfect blend of our emotional storytelling prowess and forward-thinking business strategies.”

“It’s about honoring our roots while embracing the future of global entertainment. Dharma’s journey has been remarkable, and this collaboration opens up a world of possibilities for creating content that will resonate across borders and generations,” he added.