Latest news with #AdarPoonawalla
Indian Express
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Adar Poonawalla echoes Khushi Kapoor's vaccine argument from Nadaaniyan, says he's allowed to make creative inputs in Dharma movies
In the widely panned film Nadaaninyan, Khushi Kapoor's character tells her parents that she has been practicing her debating skills, and proceeds to make an argument for pharma companies charging money for vaccines during the pandemic. Nadaaniyan was produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, whose new co-owner is the Serum Institute of India's Adar Poonawalla. In the movie, Khushi's character says that the pharma sector needs to be funded in order to innovate, and that providing free vaccines would ultimately harm the industry. In a new interview, Adar Poonawalla made the same arguments. He told journalist Barkha Dutt on MojoStory that he needs the money not for personal reasons, but to fund further innovation in the sector. In Nadaaniyan, Khushi's character says that she has taken a keen interest in debating, which prompts her father, played by Suniel Shetty, to ask what her latest subject was. She says, 'It was a debate around the morality of private healthcare. Was it right to sell vaccines during the pandemic, or should they have been distributed for free.' She tells him that she chose to argue for the motion, because she wanted to give herself a 'challenge'. Her father remarks, 'You were for it, really? Arguing against it would've been easier. You would've got moral brownie points. So, what was your argument?' Also read – Nadaaniyan: Ibrahim Ali Khan makes one of the worst debuts in years; is Karan Johar determined to set fire to his career before it even begins? She says, 'I wanted a challenge, so I argued that the raw materials for vaccines are expensive. Syringes and serums obviously don't grow on trees. Not to mention the compensation deserved by scientists who've devoted their entire lives to finding a cure for this virus in such a short time. If the government or some charitable trust can cover these costs, we can distribute the vaccines to the public for free. Otherwise, pharmaceutical companies will go bankrupt, and no one will ever invest in finding the cure for any disease. Honestly, it's really the only sustainable way to fund and incentivise scientific development.' Her impressed father reacts, 'Was that my baby princess arguing? Look at you! You kept it so balanced and nuanced.' In his interview with Barkha Dutt, Poonwalla spoke about charging money for vaccines during the pandemic, and offered some context first, 'If you really look at where people are spending money today, on consumer goods, on beauty, on clothes, on cars, phones, bikes, paying Rs 400 for a vaccine as opposed to Rs 200 is not a significant increase. Even today there's a battle about price-capping being controlled by the government. If you want a Pfizer, GSK or a big company that can make, create, and innovate in India, instead of us having to partner with foreign institutes that create these molecules, you need this industry to thrive. Look at the IT or auto industries; the average company is making $1 billion in profits in a quarter. Our turnover, despite being the largest in the world, is just $1 billion. A Pfizer or GSK is 100 times that.' He continued, 'If I want to spend $500 million to create a new molecule for a vaccine, where do I get the money? My profit is some $300 million, and that's not enough for even one product. For example, we funded our malaria vaccine over five years, and managed that way. India has the best talent, the most hardworking people. Our costs in all other infrastructure are quite low. All we need is the ability to price our products in a way which is fair, and make enough profits. What are we going to do with the profits? I can't take it to heaven. I'm going to make more vaccines with it. People say, 'You're going to make more money'. But what am I going to do with that money? I'm making new vaccines to protect you only. We want to make in India, create in India, and innovate in India, but how are we going to do that?' In the same interview, he said that Karan Johar continues to hold complete creative freedom over Dharma projects, but that he will also be open to any inputs that he, Adar, were to make.
Indian Express
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Karan Johar will still have creative control': Adar Poonawalla reveals Dharma Productions' future plans, says overspending is an issue
Serum Institute of India's Adar Poonawalla, who recently bought a 50% stake in Dharma Productions, opened up about scaling the business up. He said that creative control will remain in Karan Johar's hands, and that they want to open a music label in the near future, while attempting to penetrate smaller towns in India. Adar Poonawalla entered the business for Rs 1,000 crore, and said in a recent interview with journalist Barkha Dutt on MojoStory that he'd known Karan for over a decade. 'We're quite well aligned, and it was easy for us to partner,' he said. He continued, 'The reason I did it was that I felt our ability to tell stories, to show the world what's happening in our nation, and bringing to light what would have been missed, he's very good at doing that. He's told a lot of emotional stories in movies on family, on romance. It's also a soft power, and it gives you access to people you wouldn't normally come across… It's a very interesting space, and don't forget, we're very under-penetrated today. People will start watching films on pay-per-view, if you start looking at the data… The penetration of our screens is just 15 or 20%.' Also read – 'No ego between Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh': Karan Johar says stars hang out together; reveals he has no 'gile-shikve' with Kartik Aaryan anymore Adar said that Karan will have creative control, but that he has the freedom to chime in with creative inputs from time to time. 'Traditionally, it was theatres, then came OTT. I think it can further penetrate in the rural areas, where business will do well… It's all about having the right budgets for films, and not overspending… One of our understandings was that Karan will have full creative freedom. We're building other verticals of distribution, like a music label that he's working on. Increasing production of content is also the name of the game.' In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, Karan highlighted the 'herd mentality' of the film industry as one of the biggest reasons why movies aren't doing as well as they used to. 'We see Pushpa running and catering so strongly to the tier two and tier three audiences. Suddenly there'll be 20 others wanting to do the same. You see Chhaava working, and everybody will want to make historical dramas. After Stree, everybody wants to make horror comedies. Those worked because they were individually strong, and there was no other option in that genre. And it was a unique thought that made those films work. We all have individual thoughts that are unique to ourselves,' he said.
Economic Times
09-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Overseas luxury real estate: Here's why it is catching the eyes of HNIs
Getty Images Whether it's luxury penthouses in New York or heritage homes in London, high networth Indians are investing overseas. For India's affluent class, luxury real estate is more than a status symbol— it's an investment strategy that blends capital appreciation, lifestyle enhancement, and portfolio diversification. Increasingly, this strategy is looking beyond India's borders. The surge is evident. According to the India Luxury Residential Outlook Survey 2025 by India Sotheby's International Realty, interest in overseas real estate has more than doubled, rising from 10-11% to 22%. For HNIs and UHNIs, global property investments are no longer just aspirational, they are tactical. Whether it's luxury penthouses in New York or heritage homes in London, high networth Indians are investing overseas. Over the years, Indian billionaires like Lakshmi Mittal, Adar Poonawalla and Ravi Ruia have continued to invest in luxury properties in Dubai, London and New York. With global mobility on the rise, investors are confidently staking their claim in the world's most desirable explore why international real estate is catching the eye of India's wealthy, where they are investing, and what savvy investors must watch out capital appreciation: Established global hubs like London, New York and Dubai have long demonstrated robust long-term price appreciation. In 2024, Dubai's prime residential prices rose by 6.8%, with forecasts predicting a further 15-20% rise in 2025, driven by policy reforms, foreign investor incentives, and infrastructure development under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. These cities attract talent, capital and corporates, all of which contribute to housing demand. For investors, it's a steady compounding story with international hedge: Investing in dollar- or pound-denominated assets creates a natural hedge for Indian investors. During periods of rupee depreciation or domestic inflation, the value of these global assets often holds or appreciates, enhancing the wealth preservation function of the asset income: Luxury real estate in top-tier markets is a magnet for premium tenants—executives, diplomats and international students. In central London, for example, rental yields typically range from 3.5% to 4.5%. New York's Manhattan mirrors this, offering dependable rental income from a well-established tenant steady yield stream enhances the investment's overall return, making it both income- and asset appreciation-driven. Price-to-value comparison: Investing in global real estate today represents a strategic value-driven decision. Consider two prime examples. In Central London, a one-bedroom luxury apartment is currently priced around £850,000, reflecting the city's prestige, stability, and sustained international appeal. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic in New York's prestigious Upper East Side, a comparable one-bedroom condominium is available at approximately $750,000 Factor in better build quality, global amenities, and strong rental yields, and the math starts to make sense. Simply put, Indian investors are weighing not just square footage, but lifestyle, legacy, and long-term value. Lifestyle, education, legacy value: For many, the draw is also emotional and aspirational. A home in Central London or Manhattan offers global mobility, lifestyle cachet, and proximity to elite education institutions. In 2024 alone, over 1,40,000 Indian students received UK study visas—a 35% rise—creating demand for family-oriented housing in areas like Kensington and Ealing. These homes often become multi-generational legacy assets as well, passed down not just for their monetary worth, but for their symbolic global footprint too. Complex regulatory landscape: Each country has its own tax labyrinth. In the US, non-resident investors are subject to federal and state levies, including FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act), which withholds tax on sale proceeds. The UK can impose up to 15% Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) for foreign buyers. Further complexities arise with capital gains, rental income taxation, and estate duties. RBI's LRS cap: India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) limits individuals to remitting $250,000 per financial year. Families can pool limits (up to $1 million), but luxury real estate in prime London or New York markets often exceeds this. Compounding the issue is a six-month usage clause, limiting investment flexibility. Legal and local knowledge gaps: Investing abroad isn't just about picking the right city. Buyers must assess title clarity, zoning regulations, developer credibility, and local market dynamics. A lack of due diligence can result in costly mistakes. High maintenance and management costs: Luxury homes demand luxury upkeep. From service charges, building maintenance and tenant management, these hidden costs can dent yields and add to the logistical burden. Changing rules and policies: Markets evolve. New York's rent regulation changes have impacted rental margins. Dubai's shifting visa norms and property ownership reforms could evolve. Global property ownership requires agility and a long-term view. Overseas luxury real estate presents Indian HNIs with a compelling blend of returns, lifestyle, and strategic diversification. But this is a high-involvement play. It demands due diligence, regulatory awareness, and trusted local partnerships. Done right, a home abroad can be more than a financial asset. It becomes a gateway to global living, future-proofing one's wealth, and passing on a legacy with international roots. The Author is DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL, INDIA SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Overseas luxury real estate: Here's why it is catching the eyes of HNIs
Overseas luxury real estate is a high-involvement play. It demands due diligence, regulatory awareness, and trusted local partnerships. Done right, a home abroad can be more than a financial asset. It becomes a gateway to global living, future-proofing one's wealth, and passing on a legacy with international roots. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Global real estate appeal Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Likely hurdles Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The bottom line (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of .) For India's affluent class, luxury real estate is more than a status symbol— it's an investment strategy that blends capital appreciation, lifestyle enhancement, and portfolio diversification. Increasingly, this strategy is looking beyond India's surge is evident. According to the India Luxury Residential Outlook Survey 2025 by India Sotheby's International Realty, interest in overseas real estate has more than doubled, rising from 10-11% to 22%. For HNIs and UHNIs, global property investments are no longer just aspirational, they are it's luxury penthouses in New York or heritage homes in London, high networth Indians are investing overseas. Over the years, Indian billionaires like Lakshmi Mittal, Adar Poonawalla and Ravi Ruia have continued to invest in luxury properties in Dubai, London and New York. With global mobility on the rise, investors are confidently staking their claim in the world's most desirable explore why international real estate is catching the eye of India's wealthy, where they are investing, and what savvy investors must watch out global hubs like London, New York and Dubai have long demonstrated robust long-term price appreciation. In 2024, Dubai's prime residential prices rose by 6.8%, with forecasts predicting a further 15-20% rise in 2025, driven by policy reforms, foreign investor incentives, and infrastructure development under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master cities attract talent, capital and corporates, all of which contribute to housing demand. For investors, it's a steady compounding story with international in dollar- or pound-denominated assets creates a natural hedge for Indian investors. During periods of rupee depreciation or domestic inflation, the value of these global assets often holds or appreciates, enhancing the wealth preservation function of the asset real estate in top-tier markets is a magnet for premium tenants—executives, diplomats and international students. In central London, for example, rental yields typically range from 3.5% to 4.5%. New York's Manhattan mirrors this, offering dependable rental income from a well-established tenant steady yield stream enhances the investment 's overall return, making it both income- and asset in global real estate today represents a strategic value-driven decision. Consider two prime examples. In Central London, a one-bedroom luxury apartment is currently priced around £850,000, reflecting the city's prestige, stability, and sustained international appeal. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic in New York's prestigious Upper East Side, a comparable one-bedroom condominium is available at approximately $750,000Factor in better build quality, global amenities, and strong rental yields, and the math starts to make sense. Simply put, Indian investors are weighing not just square footage, but lifestyle, legacy, and long-term many, the draw is also emotional and aspirational. A home in Central London or Manhattan offers global mobility, lifestyle cachet, and proximity to elite education institutions. In 2024 alone, over 1,40,000 Indian students received UK study visas—a 35% rise—creating demand for family-oriented housing in areas like Kensington and Ealing. These homes often become multi-generational legacy assets as well, passed down not just for their monetary worth, but for their symbolic global footprint country has its own tax labyrinth. In the US, non-resident investors are subject to federal and state levies, including FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act), which withholds tax on sale proceeds. The UK can impose up to 15% Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) for foreign buyers. Further complexities arise with capital gains, rental income taxation, and estate Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) limits individuals to remitting $250,000 per financial year. Families can pool limits (up to $1 million), but luxury real estate in prime London or New York markets often exceeds this. Compounding the issue is a six-month usage clause, limiting investment flexibility.: Investing abroad isn't just about picking the right city. Buyers must assess title clarity, zoning regulations, developer credibility, and local market dynamics. A lack of due diligence can result in costly homes demand luxury upkeep. From service charges, building maintenance and tenant management, these hidden costs can dent yields and add to the logistical evolve. New York's rent regulation changes have impacted rental margins. Dubai's shifting visa norms and property ownership reforms could evolve. Global property ownership requires agility and a long-term luxury real estate presents Indian HNIs with a compelling blend of returns, lifestyle, and strategic diversification. But this is a high-involvement play. It demands due diligence, regulatory awareness, and trusted local partnerships. Done right, a home abroad can be more than a financial asset. It becomes a gateway to global living, future-proofing one's wealth, and passing on a legacy with international Author is DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL, INDIA SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
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.'
