Filmmaker Karan Johar, known for his openness about both personal and professional life, has recently offered a candid glimpse into his business dealings. In a candid admission, Johar revealed that he considers himself a “terrible negotiator,” often finding himself conceding more than he gains.
This revelation comes after a significant financial milestone for his production house, Dharma Productions. Last year, Johar sold a 50% stake in the company to Adar Poonawalla’s Serene Productions in a deal reportedly worth ₹1,000 crore. This landmark investment valued Dharma Productions and its digital arm, Dharmatic Entertainment, at an impressive ₹2,000 crore, marking one of the largest transactions in the Indian entertainment sector.
Despite the magnitude of the deal, Johar humorously confessed his lack of sharp business acumen during a recent conversation. He attributed the strategic financial success of Dharma Productions to his CEO and childhood friend, Apoorva Mehta. “My business acumen is not the sharpest,” Johar admitted, emphasizing that Mehta serves as the company’s ‘business brain’ while he focuses on the creative aspects.
Johar also shared how Mehta’s return from London after leaving his job significantly impacted Dharma’s trajectory. “From then on, it’s been 20 years of us working together, 20 years of building Dharma Productions and creating it into what it is today,” he said.
Reflecting on the investment from Adar Poonawalla, Johar explained its importance for the company’s growth. “It was the right decision for growth, too,” he stated, adding that he anticipated the investment would multiply the company’s value significantly. However, his self-assessment on negotiation skills remained blunt: “I’m the worst. I should never be in the negotiation room because I’ll always give up more and receive less.”
Karan Johar’s journey with Dharma Productions, from inheriting it after his father Yash Johar’s passing to transforming it into a leading entertainment brand, is a testament to his creative vision and ability to build a lasting legacy.