Mumbai, India – Karan Johar’s iconic film production company, Dharma Productions, has secured a significant investment by selling a 50% stake to Serene Productions, led by pharmaceutical tycoon Adar Poonawalla, for RO45mn ($120 million). The deal values the combined entity, which includes both Dharma Productions and Dharmatic Entertainment, at approximately RO92mn ($240 million).

Under the terms of the agreement, Johar will retain creative control of the company, continuing in his role as Executive Chairman, while Apoorva Mehta remains CEO. The partnership is set to position Dharma as a digital-first production powerhouse, with plans to integrate cutting-edge technologies to enhance content creation, distribution, and audience engagement.

Dharma Productions, known for its emotional storytelling, has been behind recent hit films such as Kill, Bad Newz, Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, and Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva. Its digital arm, Dharmatic Entertainment, has garnered attention for streaming series like The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives and Call Me Bae, with major partnerships in place with Netflix and Prime Video.

Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India and chair of Poonawalla Fincorp, expressed his excitement about joining forces with Johar, highlighting their shared vision for expanding Dharma’s global reach. Poonawalla is also known for his pivotal role in the global distribution of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

Agencies