By Shreya Mukherjee | Oct 06, 2025, 05:17 PM
**Filmmaker Karan Johar Sells 50% Stake in Dharma Productions to Adar Poonawalla**
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, granting him equal ownership of the studio.
In a recent interview with Komal Nahta on the YouTube channel *Game Changers*, Johar opened up about the decision and its implications for future projects.
### Expansion Plans: Funding Issues Led to the Decision
Johar revealed that funding challenges played a significant role in his decision to sell half of Dharma Productions. “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 emphasized the importance of having the right partner for this expansion — a role he feels Poonawalla perfectly fits.
### Personal Ties: Friendship with Poonawalla Played a Crucial Role
The filmmaker shared that his close friendship with Adar Poonawalla and his wife Natasha influenced the deal considerably. “Adar and Natasha have been my close friends, very dear to me,” Johar stated.
He added that when Poonawalla expressed interest in investing, Johar initially hesitated, thinking it wasn’t his business. However, he later realized both of them shared the same vision for growing Dharma Productions.
### Management Praise: Johar Lauds Apoorva Mehta’s Leadership
Johar also praised Apoorva Mehta, the Executive Chairman and CEO of Dharma Productions, for expertly managing the business side of the company.
“Apoorva is the most correct human. Our accounts are perfect down to the last rupee,” Johar said. 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
Reflecting on the changes following the deal, Johar admitted it has made him more attentive to profitability. “There was never accountability before this, I just learned the term quarter,” he revealed.
He further noted that Mehta keeps him in check, often reminding him not to pursue projects that aren’t financially viable. Despite this shift, Johar remains committed to maintaining artistic integrity and creating films that satisfy his creative vision.
### Future Plans: Uncertainty About Upcoming Projects
Speaking about what lies ahead, Johar expressed some uncertainty regarding his future projects, especially in the wake of the critical acclaim received 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 admitted.
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Karan Johar’s strategic partnership with Adar Poonawalla marks a new chapter for Dharma Productions as it aims to balance creative pursuits with business growth. Fans and industry watchers alike will be eager to see how this collaboration shapes Bollywood’s landscape in the coming years.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/kjo-describes-changes-after-adar-poonawalla-takeover/story