Karan Johar parts ways with Bunty Sajdeh, buys out his 45% stake in DCA talent agency
The Indian film industry is abuzz with the latest news of Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla-led Dharma Productions acquiring Cornerstone’s stake in Dharma Cornerstone Agency (DCA) and relaunching it as Dharma Collab Artists Agency. This major restructuring move comes after Poonawalla acquired 50% stake in Dharma for a whopping ₹1,000 crore. As a result, Karan Johar has parted ways with celebrity manager Bunty Sajdeh, whose Cornerstone had a 45% stake in DCA.
The news was confirmed by Karan Johar himself, who took to Instagram to announce the new development. The acquisition marks a significant shift in the talent management landscape of the Indian film industry, with Dharma Productions emerging as a major player. The move is seen as a strategic decision to consolidate Dharma’s position in the industry and expand its reach in the talent management space.
Dharma Cornerstone Agency (DCA) was formed in 2020 as a joint venture between Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Bunty Sajdeh’s Cornerstone. The agency aimed to provide a platform for new and emerging talent in the film industry, offering services such as talent management, marketing, and PR. However, with the acquisition of Cornerstone’s stake, DCA will now operate as Dharma Collab Artists Agency, with Karan Johar at the helm.
The partnership between Karan Johar and Bunty Sajdeh was seen as a powerful combination, bringing together two influential players in the Indian film industry. However, the decision to part ways has sparked speculation about the reasons behind the move. While the exact reasons are not clear, it is believed that the acquisition of Dharma Productions by Adar Poonawalla-led Serum Institute of India may have played a role in the decision.
Adar Poonawalla’s acquisition of 50% stake in Dharma Productions for ₹1,000 crore marked a significant investment in the Indian film industry. The deal was seen as a vote of confidence in the potential of the Indian film industry, with Poonawalla’s investment expected to help Dharma Productions expand its operations and produce more content. The acquisition also marked a new chapter in the history of Dharma Productions, which was founded by Karan Johar’s father, Yash Johar, in 1976.
With the acquisition of Cornerstone’s stake in DCA, Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla-led Dharma Productions will have complete control over the talent management agency. The move is expected to help Dharma Productions consolidate its position in the industry and provide a platform for new and emerging talent. The agency will continue to offer services such as talent management, marketing, and PR, with a focus on nurturing and promoting new talent in the film industry.
The Indian film industry is highly competitive, with numerous talent management agencies vying for attention. However, with the backing of Dharma Productions and Adar Poonawalla, Dharma Collab Artists Agency is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the industry. The agency’s focus on nurturing and promoting new talent will provide a much-needed platform for emerging artists, who often struggle to find their footing in the competitive world of Bollywood.
In conclusion, the acquisition of Cornerstone’s stake in DCA by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla-led Dharma Productions marks a significant development in the Indian film industry. The move is expected to help Dharma Productions consolidate its position in the industry and provide a platform for new and emerging talent. With the backing of Adar Poonawalla, Dharma Collab Artists Agency is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the industry, and we can expect to see some exciting new talent emerge in the coming years.