Adar Poonawalla Acquires 50% Stake in Dharma Productions

Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India, is acquiring a 50% stake in Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and Dharmatic Entertainment through Serene Productions for Rs 1,000 crore, valuing the company at Rs 2,000 crore. This partnership aims to leverage Poonawalla's strategic acumen and resources with Dharma's storytelling prowess to expand content creation and distribution globally, targeting digital-first audiences. Karan Johar will continue as Executive Chairman, maintaining creative control, while Apoorva Mehta remains CEO to ensure operational consistency. The deal is seen as a strategic move to capitalize on the booming Indian entertainment industry and the rising demand for quality content across multiple digital platforms. Poonawalla's investment ends speculation about potential buyers, having outbid major players like Reliance and Saregama. The alliance signifies a transformative step in elevating Dharma's legacy, embracing new opportunities afforded by the growing global relevance of Indian entertainment.