Adar Poonawalla has outpaced competitors, including Reliance and Saregama, to acquire a significant stake in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. According to the official announcement, Poonawalla’s Serene Entertainment has purchased a 50% stake in the renowned Bollywood production company for ₹1000 crore. Karan Johar will maintain ownership of the remaining 50%.
Expressing his excitement, Adar Poonawalla said, “I am delighted to have the opportunity to partner with one of the most iconic production houses in our nation, along with my friend Karan Johar. We hope to build and grow Dharma and scale even greater heights in the years to come.”
Karan Johar, Executive Chairman of Dharma Productions, also shared his thoughts on the partnership: “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.”
He added, “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.”
Founded in 1976 by Yash Johar, Dharma Productions is one of India’s premier film production and distribution companies. Now led by Karan Johar, the company has been a major force in Bollywood, producing numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. With a legacy spanning over four decades, Dharma Productions is celebrated for iconic movies such as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and many others. Recent releases include Kill, Bad Newz, Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, and Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva.