Dharma Productions' 50% stake sold to Adar Poonawalla

Billionaire Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, has acquired a 50% stake in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Dharmatic Entertainment for $120 million.

This major deal, announced on October 21, values Karan Johar’s iconic production company at $120 million. Karan Johar will continue to hold the remaining 50% stake and will stay on as Executive Chairman, while Apoorva Mehta remains the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dharma Productions.

Adar Poonawalla, through his private firm Serene Productions, has made this investment to expand his portfolio into the entertainment industry. His entry comes after Dharma actively sought new partnerships and engaged in discussions with several major conglomerates, including Sanjiv Goenka’s Saregama, Reliance Industries, and Jio Cinema.

Adar Poonawalla’s financial backing is expected to give Dharma Productions the leverage to grow its reach, especially in creating content that appeals to digitally savvy consumers and global platforms.

In a joint statement, both Johar and Poonawalla expressed their excitement over the partnership. Adar Poonawalla called Dharma "one of the most iconic production houses" in India, while Karan Johar described the collaboration as a perfect blend of "emotional storytelling" and "forward-thinking business strategies."

Karan Johar emphasized that the partnership would allow Dharma to elevate its legacy and continue creating content that resonates across borders and generations. The partnership aligns with Dharma’s goals of expanding its content footprint, particularly in the global entertainment market.

44 Years of Dharma Productions

Karan Johar recently celebrated 44 years of Dharma Productions, which was founded by his father, Yash Johar, in 1976. Over the decades, Dharma has become one of India’s leading film production and distribution companies, known for producing some of Bollywood’s biggest blockbusters.

Films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kal Ho Naa Ho, My Name is Khan, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Shershaah, and Brahmāstra have cemented Dharma's legacy in Indian cinema.