In a major development within the Indian film industry, Adar Poonawalla’s Serene Entertainment has secured a 50% stake in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions for ₹1000 crore. The acquisition places Serene Entertainment at the forefront of the Bollywood landscape, with Karan Johar retaining his 50% ownership and continuing to lead the production house.
Poonawalla, who outbid competitors Reliance and Saregama, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “I am delighted 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.”
Karan Johar, Executive Chairman of Dharma, shared his enthusiasm for the future. “Dharma Productions has always stood for heartfelt storytelling, capturing the essence of Indian culture. My father envisioned a legacy of impactful cinema, and today, as we collaborate with Adar, we’re set to elevate Dharma’s journey. This partnership blends our emotional storytelling with forward-thinking business strategies.”
Dharma Productions, founded by Yash Johar in 1976, has been a pioneer in Indian cinema, producing critically acclaimed and commercially successful films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and the recent Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva. The collaboration is expected to bring fresh opportunities to create content that resonates across global audiences.