Karan Johar has never held back when discussing his personal or professional life, and now he's talking about his business side—or rather, how it doesn't exist. The renowned producer and director, who this year sold half of his venerable Dharma Productions to Adar Poonawalla's Serene Productions, recently acknowledged that he is a "dreadful negotiator" who frequently gives more than he gets.
Concerning the transaction
After selling half of his production company to Poonawalla's Serene Productions in 2024 for ₹1,000 crore, Karan created news in the entertainment business. One of the largest deals in Indian entertainment, the investment valued Dharma Productions and Dharmatic Entertainment at ₹2,000 crore.

"My business sense isn't the best"
He acknowledged, "My business acumen is not the sharpest," in a recent interview with Curly Tales. It's true, even though you might not believe me. Therefore, Apoorva Mehta, my best friend and the CEO of my business, grew up with me and attended the same school and college. He is the business brains behind DCA, Dharma, Dharmatic, and Dharma 2.0. I am the creative source, and he is the business brain.
He also discussed how Dharma's future was altered by Apoorva Mehta's return from London. I thus called Apoorva, who had returned to India after quitting his business and position in London.From that point on, we have collaborated for 20 years, developing Dharma Productions into what it is now," he stated.
"It was the right decision for growth, too, because I knew that 50 crore would become 1,500 crore if I had that 50% investment," Karan said in reference to the agreement with Adar Poonawalla. With that funding, I realised I could expand and move my business in a much more progressive way.
However, the director acknowledges that he does not have the same level of faith in artistic choices when it comes to negotiations. "I am the worst. Because I'll always give up more and get less, I should never be in the negotiating room," he joked.

Karan has had an incredible career, starting with taking over Dharma Productions following the death of his father, Yash Johar, and turning it into one of India's most prosperous entertainment companies.