Karan Johar breaks silence on selling 50 per cent of Dharma Productions to Adar Poonawalla for Rs 1000 crore: 'I needed funds to grow'
In 2024,
made headlines when he sold a 50 percent stake of his production company,
Dharma Productions
, to
CEO
for a staggering Rs 1,000 crore. In a recent conversation with Raj Shamani, the filmmaker opened up about the motivation behind the move, citing the need for growth and long-term expansion.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Inherited his father
's reputation, not financial security
Speaking about the evolution of
Productions,
admitted that while his father Yash Johar founded the company, its success only began post-1998 with his directorial debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. 'Before Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, we had five flops in a row. What I inherited from my father was goodwill, not money,' Karan shared, highlighting how the emotional and reputational legacy of his father fueled his journey, not a financial head start.
Karan also reflected on the earlier collaborative model of filmmaking at Dharma, revealing that most profits had to be shared with partners. 'We couldn't finance films on our own ability, so our biggest hits had partners. But I wanted profitability to stay within Dharma. That's when I stopped doing collaborative projects,' he said.
Post-1998, hits like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kal Ho Naa Ho, and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna turned the tide for Dharma Productions.
But it wasn't an easy journey. After the death of his father in 2004, Karan leaned on his childhood friend and current CEO of Dharma,
. 'He left his life in London overnight to help me. Till date, I have zero business acumen, but a strong instinct. Apoorva handles the business, I handle the creative,' Karan added.
Strategic partnership with Adar Poonawalla
Explaining why he brought Adar Poonawalla on board as an equity partner, Karan said, 'In 2023, we realised we had to scale.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Organic growth would have taken us 5–7 more years. We needed capital. Today, I'm very happy with Adar. He's a wonderful human being with sharp instincts. Now I feel accountable—this is someone else's money. I have to deliver success.'
Karan Johar Snapped in White Tee and Joggers During Shoot
Karan also addressed criticisms that Dharma didn't have a particularly profitable 2024. 'Kill was critically appreciated, Mr & Mrs Mahi made money, Bad Newz was profitable, Jigra broke even.
We're now producing our first Punjabi film Akaal, and Dhadak 2 is coming soon. We're bullish,' he asserted.
Reflecting on the highs and lows of showbiz, Karan concluded with characteristic candour: 'I don't take success seriously or failure to heart. I don't mind a flop. I just don't like average films. If I'm wrong, tell me—I'll learn and move forward.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
43 minutes ago
- India.com
Meet Pushpa star Allu Arjun's wife, Sneha Reddy, never acted in films, runs her own business of..., has net worth of Rs...
In a jaw-dropping 24 hours, Pushpa 2: The Rule shattered records, soaring past Rs 282 crore at the box office—wagging tongues have even whispered of eclipsing Jawan and Baahubali 2. But while Allu Arjun's swagger fuels this juggernaut, the silent power behind the scenes is his wife, Allu Sneha Reddy. The roar around Pushpa 2 isn't just hype—it's historic. With that one-day haul, the sequel vaulted to become India's biggest opening ever. And at the center of it stands Allu Arjun, reprising his gangster-turned-hero role with ferocious finesse. His fee of a staggering Rs 300 crore isn't just money—it's legacy. Forbes confirms what insiders knew: Arjun is India's highest-paid actor of 2024, touching a lifetime fortune of Rs 460 crore. Who is she? Sneha Reddy doesn't chase limelight, yet her influence is undeniable. A Scorpio-born engineer who studied at MIT Cambridge and holds a master's degree in computer science from the US, she's driven by intellect and innovation. After returning to India, she took charge at her father's engineering institute, SCT Institute of Technology, steering academic excellence and placements. Her entrepreneurial streak gave birth to Studio Picaboo in 2016—a boutique photo studio in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. Arjun celebrated her launch with a heartfelt Instagram shoutout: 'PICABOO! A startup by my wife… creating great pictures and memories for everyone.' Beyond the spotlight With over nine million Instagram followers, Sneha has carved her niche as a low-profile powerhouse. Her net worth—estimated at around Rs 42 crore ($5 million)—may not rival her superstar husband's, but it reflects something more potent: her independence. The power couple Arjun's empire includes a private jet, a sprawling Jubilee Hills bungalow, a lineup of luxury cars, and endorsement deals that fill bank accounts faster than royalties. With Pushpa 2's mind-bending success, his wealth is only set to swell. But the man at the centre of the storm stands firm because of the woman at his side. Their love story began more than a decade ago—an arranged-meets-at-wedding click moment that became legend. Engaged in 2010, married in 2011, they now parent two children: Ayaan (born 2014) and Arha (2016). Together, they share a journey rooted in love, partnership, and mutual respect. What to watch next Pushpa 2's opening triumph confirms Arjun's indomitable star power. Yet Sneha's narrative offers a richer subplot: a journey from scholar to entrepreneur, the silent strength in the shadows, and the woman whose unwavering spirit forms the backbone of the 'Pushpa' phenomenon. In a spectacle built on muscle and swag, it's her brains and balance that keep the structure from toppling. And for fans and critics alike, the invisible force behind the icon is just as fascinating as the man himself.
India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
Meet actress who once taught yoga for a living, her life changed after..., became a star, gave hit film that earned Rs..., she is..
There are many actors and actresses in Indian cinema who started their journey from a humble background. From working at a young age to taking up odd jobs, these people did everything but did not leave their dream. Today, we will discuss one such actress who used to earn her living by teaching Yoga. However, she had no idea that her luck would change so much that there would be a day when she would rule the cinema. While the above description might make you think that we are talking about Madhubala, Meena Kumari, Vimi or more, let us tell you we are talking about the famous South Indian face Anushka Shetty. Anushka Shetty Worked as Yoga Teacher Born on November 7, Anushka started a humble life. Before entering the big cinemas, she worked as a Yoga teacher. According to media reports, her life changed while she was teaching Yoga. Reports state that while Anushka was teaching yoga, director Meher Ramesh noticed her and later offered her films. That one opportunity transformed Anushka from a yoga instructor into a leading lady. Meher Ramesh recommended her to Puri Jagannadh, who agreed to cast her. This led to Anushka Shetty's debut in the 2005 film Super. Anushka Shetty's Superhit Film Then she got a chance to work in Mahanadi. Anushka's major breakthrough came when she featured in SS Rajamouli's film Baahubali 2. She reprised the role of Devasena in this blockbuster film. The movie earned a whopping Rs 2400 crore. Devasena's character in Baahubali received a lot of love from the people. After this, she also worked in blockbuster films like Rudramadevi, Arundhati, and Vedam. Today, Anushka is a well-known face in the South industry.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Sonakshi Sinha Recalls Chilling Encounter With A 'Harmless Ghost' At Home: 'I Froze...'
Last Updated: During promotions for her paranormal film Nikita Roy, Sonakshi Sinha opened up about a chilling real-life ghostly encounter at her home. After dazzling audiences in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi, actor Sonakshi Sinha is gearing up for the release of her upcoming paranormal film Nikita Roy. Fittingly, during promotions for the movie, Sonakshi shared an eerie real-life brush with the supernatural — one that shook her long-held disbelief in ghosts. In a candid chat with Bollywood Hungama, Sonakshi revealed that until recently, she didn't believe in ghosts or paranormal phenomena at all. But one unsettling incident at her own home left her questioning everything. 'I used to not believe. I used to not believe at all," she said. 'But one day, something very weird happened to me in my house. Since then, I've been a little shaken. But after that, nothing happened, so I thought, maybe it was a dream? It was a harmless ghost — possibly." The encounter took place around 4 am, while she was in that blurry state between sleep and wakefulness. 'I was in that stage where your eyes are shut but your mind is alert," she explained. 'Suddenly, I felt this pressure, like someone was trying to wake me up. I was terrified. I just froze. I didn't open my eyes. I couldn't move. I stayed like that till morning — I didn't open my eyes until the lights came on. It really shook me up." The experience left such a strong impression that Sonakshi even spoke out loud to the mysterious entity the next night, hoping to ward off any future visits. 'When I came home the next night, it was late again. I peeked in first, then said very loudly: 'Jo bhi aaya tha kal raat ko, phirse aise mat karo. Main bohot darr gayi thi. Agar kuch baat karni hai toh mere sapne mein aana… no face-to-face conversation.' And then I walked in. I swear, since then, nothing like that has happened again." Earlier this year, Sonakshi also made headlines for selling her plush Bandra home for Rs 22.5 crore — though no ghosts were reportedly included in the deal. First Published: June 21, 2025, 20:06 IST
