Karan Johar tells Kartik Aaryan to address Adar Poonawalla respectfully at IIFA Awards 2025: "unka Adar se naam lo, 50 per cent stake hai unka"

Kartik Aaryan and Karan Johar joke on Dharma Production stake

Actor Kartik Aaryan and filmmaker Karan Johar had the audience in stitches at the IIFA 2025 with their playful and witty banter, which instantly captured the attention of fans and quickly went viral on social media. Their interaction, filled with humour and sharp comebacks, kept the crowd entertained throughout the ceremony.

The playful exchange between the two was a highlight of the evening, as Kartik took a cheeky dig at Karan regarding his recent business move, where he sold a stake in his renowned production house, Dharma Productions, to Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of the Serum Institute of India.

In a viral clip from the event, Kartik approached Karan with a playful request to be made a partner in Dharma Productions. Karan, always the joker, responded by offering Kartik a variety of roles, including “kapde waala” (clothes person), “joote waala” (cobbler), and “makeup waala” (cosmetic handler).

Kartik trolls Kjo over losing 51% stake of Dharma to Poonawalla
byu/Suspicious_Vehicle_9 inBollyBlindsNGossip

With a smile, Karan asked, “Kya banoge, Kartik? Kapde waala, joote waala, cosmetic waala, property waala?” (What will you be? A clothes person, a cobbler, a person handling cosmetics, or property?). Kartik, not missing a beat, fired back with a witty remark: “Poonawalla? Voh nahi bola aapne” (You didn’t say Poonawalla?).

The jest refers to the October 2024 deal in which Adar Poonawalla acquired a 50% stake in Dharma Productions, with Karan Johar retaining the remaining half. In response, Karan quipped, “Suno, unka Adar se naam lo, 50 per cent stake hai unka” (Take his name with respect. He has a 50 per cent stake). Kartik, ever the sharp-witted, countered, “Maine 51 per cent suna tha” (I heard it was 51 per cent).

Also Read: Deepika Padukone reveals 'figuring out work with mom guilt' as she returns to work after welcoming daughter Dua

Earlier, Karan had spoken about the deal, saying, “From its inception, Dharma Productions has been synonymous with heartfelt storytelling that captures the essence of Indian culture. My father dreamed of creating films that would leave a lasting impact, and I've dedicated my career to expanding that vision. Today, as we join forces with Adar, a close friend and an exceptional visionary and innovator, we're poised to elevate Dharma's legacy to new heights.”

The deal between Karan and Adar marks a new chapter for Dharma Productions, with the company’s future looking even more promising. Meanwhile, the last film produced by Dharma was Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali  Khan starrer Nadaaniyan showcasing the production house’s continued commitment to impactful storytelling.