business 32 - The Latremie Post

KJo reveals how Dharma changed after Poonawalla acquisition

**Karan Johar Sells 50% Stake in Dharma Productions to Adar Poonawalla for ₹1,000 Crore**

*By Shreya Mukherjee | Oct 06, 2025, 05:17 PM*

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 his future projects.

### Expansion Plans: Funding Issues Led to the Decision

Johar revealed that many of his unfulfilled dreams were 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 emphasized the importance of having the right partner for expansion — a role 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, was a key factor in the deal. “Adar and Natasha have been my close friends, very dear to me,” Johar stated.

Although he initially hesitated when Poonawalla expressed interest in investing, feeling that it wasn’t his area, Johar soon realized they shared the same vision for growth.

### Management Praise: Applauding Apoorva Mehta’s Leadership

Johar also lauded 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 to the company’s success.

### New Focus: Accountability and Profitability

“The deal has forced me to think about profitability,” Johar admitted. “There was never accountability before this, I just learned the term quarter.”

He shared that Mehta often keeps him in check by reminding him not to pursue projects that aren’t financially viable. Despite this shift towards profitability, Johar emphasized that his commitment to artistic integrity and creating films for creative satisfaction remains unchanged.

### Future Plans: Uncertainty Looms

Regarding his upcoming projects, Johar expressed uncertainty, especially after the critical acclaim of *Homebound*. “I made *Homebound*, worldwide critically acclaimed, but I can’t say if I’ll take such decisions in the future or not,” he revealed.

As Johar embarks on this new chapter with a strong partner by his side, industry watchers eagerly await the exciting developments at Dharma Productions.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/kjo-describes-changes-after-adar-poonawalla-takeover/story

Top AEW star urges Tony Khan to immediately cancel upcoming match

A former AEW champion recently made an important request to All Elite Wrestling President Tony Khan.

The Acclaimed was a popular tag team back in the day, known for their dynamic chemistry and entertaining performances. However, since their split, things haven’t gone well for the duo.

Fans and analysts alike have noted the challenges both wrestlers have faced individually, highlighting the impact the breakup has had on their careers. It remains to be seen how Tony Khan will respond to the former champion’s request and what this could mean for the future of The Acclaimed.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/aew/news-top-aew-star-urges-tony-khan-immediately-cancel-upcoming-match

Gov’t debt service surged by 257% in Aug. to P664.7B

The government’s debt service burden more than tripled in August, driven by higher amortization payments following a mammoth settlement of maturing bonds.

Debt payments surged by 257 percent year-on-year to P664.7 billion, according to the latest cash operation report from the Bureau of the Treasury.

This increase brought the total debt service payments for the first eight months of the year to P1.54 trillion, remaining nearly flat compared to the previous period.
https://business.inquirer.net/550897/govt-debt-service-surged-by-257-in-aug-to-p664-7b

The secrets behind family business empires no one will tell you

Dynasties don’t endure because they are richer, luckier, or more charismatic. They endure because they run on a different operating system.

On Sunday, the family shares a meal. On Monday, the same people sit across a board table with roles, rights, and rules that are crystal clear.

When pressure spikes—whether due to succession, acquisitions, or other challenges—this structured approach ensures stability and continuity.
https://business.inquirer.net/550878/the-secrets-behind-family-business-empires-no-one-will-tell-you-2

PBA ushers in 50th season with legends in attendance

MANILA, Philippines – Ramon Fernandez, Atoy Co, and Vergel Meneses led a group of former personalities who graced the opening of the PBA’s 50th anniversary season on Sunday.

The event drew about 40 to 50 ex-players, coaches, and officials, according to the PBA.

The busy day began with the Leo Awards held at Novotel Manila, followed by the opening ceremonies celebrating this milestone season.
https://sports.inquirer.net/643111/pba-ushers-in-50th-season-with-legends-in-attendance

Chancellor faces calls to axe stamp duty on shares

Rachel Reeves is facing increasing pressure to abolish stamp duty on share trading in an effort to revive the UK stock market. Concerns are growing that more companies may continue to leave London for rival financial hubs such as New York unless decisive action is taken.

The Chancellor is currently considering introducing a stamp duty break for investors purchasing newly listed shares, aiming to encourage more firms to list on the UK stock market. However, there are rising calls to eliminate the 0.5% levy on share trading entirely.

Charles Hall of Peel Hunt supports scrapping the tax but believes Labour is unlikely to take such a step given the current state of the economy. He also pointed to AstraZeneca’s plans for a full listing in New York as a “proper warning shot” about the risks facing the London market.
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-15164389/Chancellor-faces-calls-axe-stamp-duty-shares.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

Intimacy & Familiarity Strengthen Brand Engagement: IIM-I Study

**Intimacy, Familiarity, and Self-Congruity Key to Influencer Impact: New IIM Indore Study**

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A recent research study from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore has identified intimacy, familiarity, and self-congruity as the most powerful influencer traits that drive brand community engagement and foster a deeper sense of brand ownership among followers.

As digital platforms increasingly dominate the consumer journey, brands are investing heavily in influencer partnerships to shape perceptions, promote products, and build communities across industries such as fashion, lifestyle, technology, and travel. This study, led by Professor Purvendu Sharma, goes beyond traditional marketing metrics to explore the emotional and relational dynamics that make influencer-follower interactions so impactful.

Unlike earlier research that primarily focused on brands or consumers, Sharma’s work shifts attention to the influencers themselves. Drawing on theories of self-congruity and psychological ownership, the study develops a conceptual model linking the personal characteristics of influencers to the behavioral outcomes of their followers.

Using data collected from 216 young social media users engaged in brand communities, the researchers employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to test their hypotheses. The findings revealed that intimacy—the perceived closeness and authenticity between influencer and follower—has the strongest influence on brand community engagement (BCE), followed by familiarity and self-congruity. Here, self-congruity refers to the alignment between a follower’s self-image and the influencer’s persona.

These factors not only enhance engagement but also strengthen a follower’s psychological ownership of the brand—a sense of personal connection and belonging. Interestingly, while self-congruity directly impacts brand ownership, its effect is not mediated through engagement. In contrast, both familiarity and intimacy exert indirect effects via BCE, emphasizing the role of emotional resonance and relational depth in digital brand building.

“This research highlights that meaningful influencer-follower relationships—not just follower counts—drive community participation and long-term loyalty,” said Professor Sharma. “Brands should focus on influencers who can connect authentically with their audience rather than those selected purely for reach,” he added.

The study provides actionable insights for marketers, recommending that brands prioritize interactive, value-driven collaborations that align influencer content with audience identity. It also encourages influencers to strengthen personal bonds with followers through tailored engagement, prompt interactions, and acknowledgment of consumer input.

Furthermore, the research suggests brands adopt data-driven tools—such as sentiment analysis for measuring intimacy and retention metrics for familiarity—to assess influencer effectiveness more accurately.

By integrating brand ownership into the framework of influencer marketing, the IIM Indore study underscores the growing importance of emotional connection and co-creation in the digital era. This positions the institute at the forefront of marketing research exploring how psychological principles shape brand loyalty in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

*Story by Atul Gautam*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/intimacy-familiarity-strengthen-brand-engagement-iim-i-study

Canara HSBC Life Insurance to launch IPO on October 10

**Canara HSBC Life Insurance to Launch IPO on October 10**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | October 5, 2025*

Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company is set to launch its first-ever initial public offering (IPO) on October 10, 2025. The IPO will be a complete offer-for-sale (OFS) consisting of 23.75 crore shares and is scheduled to close on October 14. Ahead of the launch, a portion of the shares will be reserved for anchor investors one day prior.

### IPO Details and Pricing

The price band for the public offer has been approved by regulators and will be announced shortly. The OFS will involve promoter stake sales from Canara Bank and HSBC Insurance. Additionally, investor and selling shareholder Punjab National Bank (PNB) will participate in the sale of shares.

### Strong Market Position and Growth

According to a Crisil report, Canara HSBC Life Insurance’s individual weighted premium income (WPI) has grown at the third highest rate among bank-led insurers between FY2022 and FY2025, reflecting its strong market presence.

The company has demonstrated steady growth in its annualized premium equivalent (APE) over recent years. Its profit after tax has increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.26%, rising from ₹91.2 crore in FY2023 to ₹117 crore in FY2025. Moreover, the embedded value expanded significantly from ₹4,272 crore at the end of FY2023 to ₹6,111 crore as of FY2025.

### Financial Strength and Customer Reach

As of June 2025, Canara HSBC Life Insurance maintained a robust solvency ratio of 200.42%, comfortably above the regulatory minimum requirement of 150%. The company has also insured over 10.51 million lives, underscoring its extensive reach and the trust it has earned from customers.

### Lead Managers

The IPO is being managed by a consortium of leading financial institutions, including SBI Capital Markets, BNP Paribas, HSBC Securities & Capital Markets (India), JM Financial, and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors, who serve as the book running lead managers for the issue.

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Stay tuned for further updates on Canara HSBC Life Insurance’s IPO as the price band is announced. This offering marks a significant milestone for the company as it seeks to expand its footprint in the life insurance sector.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/everything-we-know-about-canara-hsbc-life-insurance-s-ipo/story

Shubhanshu Shukla appointed brand ambassador of ‘Viksit Bharat Buildathon’

**Shubhanshu Shukla Appointed Brand Ambassador of ‘Viksit Bharat Buildathon’**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 05, 2025, 06:41 PM*

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), has been officially appointed as the brand ambassador for the “Viksit Bharat Buildathon.” This nationwide innovation movement targets students from classes 6 to 12, encouraging them to create innovative solutions that drive India’s development.

**A Nationwide Innovation Movement for Students**

The “Viksit Bharat Buildathon” is set to be the largest school hackathon in India. Organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission, over one crore students from approximately 1.5 lakh schools across the country are expected to participate.

This extensive initiative invites young minds to ideate, design, and develop prototypes focusing on four vital themes:

– **Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India)**
– **Swadeshi (Indigenous Products)**
– **Vocal for Local (Promoting Local Products)**
– **Samriddhi (Prosperity)**

Through these themes, the Buildathon aims to nurture creativity and problem-solving skills while fostering a spirit of national pride and self-sufficiency among students.

**Shubhanshu Shukla’s Role and Vision**

Group Captain Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force officer and test pilot, completed his maiden space voyage with the Axiom-4 mission, becoming only the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma’s iconic 1984 flight.

Recently, Shukla met with School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar to discuss the vision for the Buildathon, emphasizing the importance of empowering young innovators to contribute toward building a developed India.

**Event Timeline and Participation Details**

The “Viksit Bharat Buildathon” was officially launched on September 23, with registrations open until October 6. The live hackathon event is scheduled for October 13, and winners will be announced in December.

Students from classes 6 to 12 are encouraged to form teams and participate actively, developing creative ideas and prototypes that tackle real-life challenges aligned with the four national themes.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this exciting journey toward innovation and progress. Register before the deadline and help build a Viksit Bharat!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/space-traveler-becomes-viksit-bharat-buildathon-brand-ambassador/story

Shubhanshu Shukla appointed brand ambassador of ‘Viksit Bharat Buildathon’

**Shubhanshu Shukla Appointed Brand Ambassador of ‘Viksit Bharat Buildathon’**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 05, 2025, 06:41 PM*

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the **”Viksit Bharat Buildathon”**—a nationwide innovation movement targeting students from classes 6 to 12.

### Largest School Hackathon in India

The “Viksit Bharat Buildathon” is poised to be the largest school hackathon in India, with over **one crore students** from around **1.5 lakh schools** expected to participate. This ambitious initiative is organized by the **Ministry of Education** in collaboration with the **Atal Innovation Mission**.

### Themes and Participation

The hackathon encourages young minds to ideate, design, and develop prototypes based on four key national themes:

– **Aatmanirbhar Bharat** (Self-reliant India)
– **Swadeshi** (Indigenous products)
– **Vocal for Local** (Promoting local products)
– **Samriddhi** (Prosperity)

Students from classes 6 to 12 are invited to form teams and creatively address real-life challenges through this platform.

### Shubhanshu Shukla’s Vision

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force officer and test pilot, recently completed his maiden space voyage aboard the Axiom-4 mission. He became only the second Indian to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma’s iconic flight in 1984.

On October 4, Shukla met with School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar to discuss the vision and objectives of the Buildathon, underlining the event’s national significance and potential impact.

### Event Timeline

– **Registration Deadline:** October 6, 2025
– **Event Date:** October 13, 2025
– **Winners Announcement:** December 2025

With registration closing soon, students are encouraged to participate actively and showcase their innovative solutions that contribute towards building a developed and self-reliant India.

—

For more details and registration, visit the official Buildathon website. Join the movement to build a **Viksit Bharat!**
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/space-traveler-becomes-viksit-bharat-buildathon-brand-ambassador/story