Karan Johar opens about his decision to sell 50% of Dharma Productions
Celebrated filmmaker and producer Karan Johar has spoken candidly about his decision to sell 50% of his production company, Dharma Productions, in a move aimed at accelerating growth and expansion. The deal, struck with close friend and entrepreneur Adar Poonawalla, marks a pivotal moment for the company, which Johar emphasised is already profitable and free of debt.
“I had many dreams that couldn’t be realised due to funding limitations,” Johar explained. “I was very clear that I was willing to sell half of my company, purely because I wanted to expand.” The partnership is expected to pave the way for new ventures, including dedicated arms for distribution and music, broadening Dharma’s footprint within the entertainment industry.
Johar also reflected on the internal transformation the deal has prompted, particularly in terms of accountability and commercial discipline. “There was never accountability before this, I’ve only just learned what a quarter is,” he joked. He credited his CEO, Apoorva Mehta, for instilling a sharper business mindset, noting that decisions are now guided by profitability. “If it’s not profitable, don’t do it,” Mehta often advises.
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This marks a significant shift for Johar, who has previously backed projects driven by creative passion rather than box office performance. With a new partner and renewed strategic focus, Dharma Productions is entering a more commercially attuned phase, where every creative choice is carefully measured against its business potential.
