**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
