Karan Johar parts ways with Bunty Sajdeh, buys out his 45% stake in DCA talent agency
In a significant development in the Indian entertainment industry, Karan Johar, the renowned film director and producer, has announced his decision to part ways with Bunty Sajdeh, a well-known celebrity manager. This move comes after Karan Johar’s production house, Dharma Productions, acquired the 45% stake held by Sajdeh’s company, Cornerstone, in their joint venture, Dharma Cornerstone Agency (DCA). As a result, DCA has been relaunched as Dharma Collab Artists Agency, marking a new chapter in the company’s journey.
The news of Karan Johar and Bunty Sajdeh ending their partnership at Dharma Cornerstone Agency has sent shockwaves through the industry, with many speculating about the reasons behind this decision. According to sources, the acquisition of Cornerstone’s stake in DCA is a strategic move by Dharma Productions to consolidate its position in the talent management space. With this development, Karan Johar’s production house will have complete control over the agency, allowing it to make key decisions and drive growth.
Bunty Sajdeh’s Cornerstone had a 45% stake in DCA, which was established in 2020 as a joint venture between Dharma Productions and Cornerstone. The agency was set up to provide a platform for new and emerging talent in the entertainment industry, with a focus on nurturing and promoting fresh faces. Over the past two years, DCA has successfully launched several new talent, including actors, writers, and directors, who have gone on to make a mark in the industry.
The decision to part ways with Bunty Sajdeh and acquire Cornerstone’s stake in DCA is seen as a major restructuring move by Dharma Productions, which recently underwent a significant change in its ownership structure. In 2022, Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of Serum Institute of India, acquired a 50% stake in Dharma Productions for a whopping ₹1,000 crore. This investment is expected to fuel the growth of Dharma Productions and its subsidiaries, including Dharma Collab Artists Agency.
Karan Johar took to Instagram to confirm the news of his separation from Bunty Sajdeh and the relaunch of DCA as Dharma Collab Artists Agency. In his post, Johar expressed his gratitude to Sajdeh for their partnership and wished him all the best for his future endeavors. He also outlined his vision for Dharma Collab Artists Agency, which is to create a platform that fosters creativity, innovation, and collaboration between talented individuals from the entertainment industry.
The relaunch of DCA as Dharma Collab Artists Agency is expected to have a significant impact on the talent management landscape in India. With its renewed focus and expanded capabilities, the agency is poised to become a leading player in the industry, providing a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills and connect with key stakeholders. The agency’s new name, Dharma Collab Artists Agency, reflects its commitment to collaboration and innovation, and its mission to create a vibrant ecosystem that supports the growth and development of talented individuals.
In conclusion, the decision by Karan Johar to part ways with Bunty Sajdeh and acquire Cornerstone’s stake in DCA is a significant development in the Indian entertainment industry. The relaunch of DCA as Dharma Collab Artists Agency marks a new chapter in the company’s journey, and is expected to have a profound impact on the talent management landscape in India. As the industry continues to evolve and grow, it will be interesting to see how Dharma Collab Artists Agency navigates the changing landscape and creates new opportunities for emerging talent.
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