Mumbai: In a blockbuster deal that blends Bollywood glamour with business acumen, Serum Institute of India, CEO, Adar Poonawalla has acquired a 50 per cent stake in Karan Johar's Dharma Productions for Rs 1000 crore. This partnership not only infuses the storied film production house with fresh capital but also marks Poonawalla's strategic entry into the entertainment sector, broadening his portfolio beyond healthcare.
Dharma Productions, known for producing some of Bollywood’s biggest hits, will now benefit from Poonawalla’s business expertise and resources. The deal is set to drive the company's expansion into new content forms and strengthen its position in the evolving Indian film industry. The acquisition also brings an added layer of financial strength and strategic backing that is expected to propel Dharma into new ventures.
Johar, expressing his optimism about the partnership, stated, “I am thrilled to welcome Adar Poonawalla to the Dharma family. His vision aligns with ours, and this investment will open up new avenues for us to create engaging and meaningful content.”
This agreement symbolises a fresh chapter for Dharma Productions, which has been a cornerstone of Bollywood for decades. With Poonawalla on board, the company aims to accelerate its growth plans, expand its reach across platforms, and capitalise on emerging digital opportunities. The funds are likely to be used for producing high-budget films, expanding the company’s digital content division, and exploring international collaborations.
Poonawalla commented on his latest investment, saying, “Bollywood has always fascinated me, and this partnership is a step towards not only investing in a successful business but also in the future of Indian cinema. I look forward to working closely with Karan Johar and the team at Dharma to achieve great things.”
The deal puts Dharma Productions in a stronger position to compete with other major players in India's entertainment industry. Prior to Poonawalla’s entry, the stake was hotly contested, with Reliance and Saregama among the potential buyers. However, Poonawalla's winning bid underscored his serious intent to diversify his investments beyond the pharmaceutical industry.
Industry insiders believe this move will encourage more industrialists to look at the entertainment sector as a viable investment avenue. With content consumption surging across digital platforms, Poonawalla’s financial backing could help Dharma Productions expand its footprint in streaming and international markets.
