KJo reveals how Dharma changed after Poonawalla acquisition
By Shreya Mukherjee | Oct 06, 2025, 05:17 PM
**Filmmaker Karan Johar Sells 50% Stake in Dharma Productions to Adar Poonawalla for ₹1,000 Crore**
Filmmaker Karan Johar recently sold a 50% stake in his production company, Dharma Productions, to billionaire Adar Poonawalla for ₹1,000 crore. The deal was made through Poonawalla’s company, Serene Productions, giving him equal ownership of the studio.
In a recent interview with Komal Nahta on the YouTube channel *Game Changers*, Johar opened up about this decision and its implications for future projects.
### Expansion Plans: Funding Issues Led to the Decision
Johar revealed that he had many unfulfilled dreams due to funding constraints. “I was very clear that I am okay to sell 50% of my company or to sell equity, only because I want to expand,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of having the right partner for this expansion, which he found in Poonawalla.
### Personal Ties: Friendship with Poonawalla Played a Crucial Role
The filmmaker shared that his close friendship with Adar Poonawalla and his wife Natasha played a significant role in sealing the deal. “Adar and Natasha have been my close friends, very dear to me,” Johar said.
He added that when Poonawalla expressed interest in investing, he initially hesitated, thinking it wasn’t his business. However, he later realized they both shared the same vision to expand Dharma Productions.
### Management Praise: Johar Lauds Apoorva Mehta’s Leadership
Johar also praised Apoorva Mehta, the Executive Chairman and CEO of Dharma Productions, for his exemplary management of the company’s business affairs. “Apoorva is the most correct human. Our accounts are perfect down to the last rupee,” Johar remarked.
He added that Mehta runs Dharma like a well-oiled machine and has been instrumental in the company’s success.
### New Focus: Accountability and Profitability
“There was never accountability before this,” Johar admitted, reflecting on how the deal has shifted his perspective on profitability. “I just learned the term quarter,” he joked.
He mentioned that Mehta keeps him grounded by reminding him to avoid pursuing projects that aren’t profitable. Despite the shift towards financial accountability, Johar emphasized his firm commitment to artistic integrity and making films that offer creative satisfaction.
### Future Plans: Uncertainty About Upcoming Projects
Johar expressed uncertainty about his future projects, particularly after the critical acclaim garnered by *Homebound*. “I made *Homebound*, worldwide critically acclaimed, but I can’t say if I’ll take such decisions in the future or not,” he said.
As Dharma Productions embarks on this new chapter alongside Adar Poonawalla, fans and the film industry alike are keen to see how the partnership shapes the studio’s future offerings.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/kjo-describes-changes-after-adar-poonawalla-takeover/story
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