In a major development for the Indian entertainment industry, Karan Johar has confirmed that Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, will acquire a 50% stake in Dharma Productions. Poonawalla’s investment of Rs 1000 crore will be made through his personal venture, Serene Productions, marking a strategic partnership between the two.
Dharma Productions, founded by Karan Johar’s father Yash Johar, is one of Bollywood’s most prominent production houses, known for producing blockbuster films and innovative content. Karan Johar will retain the remaining 50% stake in the company and continue to serve as the creative lead and Executive Chairman.
In a joint statement, Adar Poonawalla expressed his excitement about the collaboration: “I am delighted to partner with one of the most iconic production houses in India, alongside my friend Karan Johar. We are eager to build and grow Dharma, and I look forward to taking it to even greater heights.”
Karan Johar echoed Poonawalla’s sentiment, noting the significance of the partnership for Dharma’s future. “From its inception, Dharma Productions has been about storytelling that reflects the heart of Indian culture. With Adar by our side, we are ready to take our vision global and embrace new opportunities while honoring our legacy.”
Apoorva Mehta, CEO of Dharma Productions, called the partnership a pivotal moment for the company. “This investment from Adar allows us to expand our creative horizons and pursue innovative ventures across cinema, streaming, and global content distribution. It’s a transformative step for Dharma and the Indian entertainment landscape.”
The investment includes both Dharma Productions and its digital content arm, Dharmatic Entertainment, which has been producing content for platforms like Netflix. The Raine Group served as the exclusive financial advisor to Dharma, with legal counsel provided by AZB & Partners for Dharma and JSA for Serene Productions.
This partnership signals a new era for Indian cinema, as Dharma and Serene Productions collaborate to create content that resonates with audiences worldwide.
