Film producer Yash Johar established Dharma Productions Pvt. Ltd in 1979, and has delivered several blockbusters under the banner. The production house was taken over by Yash Johar’s son Karan Johar in 2004 following his death, and it is now thriving.
However, the initial journey of Dharma Productions was not smooth. When Yash Johar faced financial difficulties, veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan readily offered to assist him.
In a throwback interview with Lehren, director Nikkhil Advani recalled the dark phase of the Dharma Production and said, “I remember Karan (Johar) telling me that there was a time when he sold his lights and camera. He had mortgaged his house.”
The filmmaker added, “Hiroo Aunty had a heart attack. I think Amitji met Yash uncle and asked him, 'How is Hiroo?'. They were both very close, as they were school friends. Yash uncle told him, 'She is in Breach Candy hospital'. Amitji left his shoot and rushed to see her in the hospital.”
Nikkhil recalled Karan saying, "They were there at the hospital. Amitji came out, met Yash uncle and told him, 'There is a boy, who I am making a film with. Romesh is producing it, but you call him up and tell him that Amit has given dates for your film.”
He further noted, “There is a subject on scarface, we should do it together'. That's how Agneepath came about. That's how the film got made. He simply said, 'I know what you are going through, I know what the condition is right now, I am giving you the dates, let's start.'"
Also Read: Karan Johar opens up about single fatherhood, pays tribute to dad Yash Johar on Father’s Day
Although Amitabh Bachchan's involvement helped salvage Yash Johar's production company, Agneepath didn't initially perform well at the box office. It was only later that the film gained cult status. The film has now become one of Amitabh Bachchan’s best films and gave him a new name, ‘Angry Young Man’.
Karan Johar sells 50% stake of Dharma Productions to Adar Poonawalla
Adar Poonawalla's Serene Entertainment emerged as the successful bidder to acquire a significant stake in Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, outpacing Reliance and Saregama in October 2024. Dharma Productions announced that Serene Entertainment has acquired a 50% stake in the company for Rs 1000 crore, with Karan Johar retaining the remaining 50% ownership.
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