Dharma Productions buys stake in NDTV channel

The Yash Johar founded production house Dharma Productions has bought a “minority stake” in NDTV’s forthcoming entertainment channel, it has been confirmed.

Dharma Productions is now ran by successful film maker Karan Johar who has churned out hit movies like ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham’, ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ and more recently ‘Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna’.

NDTV will launch its channel, simply titled ‘Entertainment’ late next year. It has not yet been revealed as to how much of a stake Dharma Productions has picked up in the channel. Karan Johar will be on the board. He will also endorse the channel by becoming brand ambassador.

Furthermore as part of the arrangement, Karan Johar will produce shows for ‘Entertainment’.

Prannoy Roy of NDTV said, “Karan Johar is constantly breaking new ground in quality and transforming Indian movies to world-class standard. He will now help us redefine and set new benchmarks in entertainment television.” In a statement, Johar said this partnership was “a family bonding and I believe in the power of family”. Johar added, “This family is going to be at a TV screen near you, creating all the celebration possible.”

“Partnership with Karan Johar is the first step towards launching a world-class entertainment channel,” a company official said.

Will this arrangement affect Dharma Productions’ equation with competing news groups such as the STAR Network, TV 18, TV Today and ZEE? All remains to be seen.