Karan Johar's Dharma productions welcomes businessman Adar Poonawalla as 50% stakeholder in groundbreaking deal
The Raine Group served as the exclusive financial advisor to Dharma Productions, while AZB & Partners provided legal counsel for the production house. JSA acted as legal counsel for Serene Productions.
Entertainment News: In a landmark move, Karan Johar has confirmed that Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of Serum Institute of India, will acquire a 50% stake in Dharma Productions. This decision comes after the production house's search for an investor garnered attention, with various names associated with the deal, including Sa Re Ga Ma India. Ultimately, Poonawalla's investment is set at an impressive ₹1,000 crores, covering both Dharma Productions and its subsidiary, Dharmatic Entertainment.
Investment structure and management roles
Adar Poonawalla’s investment will be made in his personal capacity through Serene Productions. Under this new arrangement, Poonawalla will hold a 50% stake in Dharma, while Karan Johar retains the other half. Johar will continue in his role as the creative leader of the company, also taking on the title of Executive Chairman.
Poonawalla and Johar express enthusiasm
Adar Poonawalla expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “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 echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the significance of this 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.”
A new era for Dharma productions
Apoorva Mehta, CEO of Dharma, remarked, “This partnership with Adar realizes our vision and marks a new era where cinema, streaming, and global content converge. It enables us to explore new avenues in content creation and distribution, elevating the Indian entertainment ecosystem.” The Raine Group served as the exclusive financial advisor to Dharma Productions, while AZB & Partners provided legal counsel for the production house. JSA acted as legal counsel for Serene Productions.
