Who is Natasha Poonawalla? Friend of Bollywood actors, whose husband bought fifty percent stake in Karan Johar's Dharma

Natasha Poonawalla has long been a significant figure in India’s business, social, and philanthropic circles. As the chairperson of the Villoo Poonawalla Foundation and executive director of the Serum Institute of India (SII), the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by volume, Natasha is a powerful presence in her own right.

She is also a renowned philanthropist and a recognized fashion icon, often making headlines for her bold and innovative sartorial choices. Married to Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of SII, Natasha has been a driving force behind numerous charitable initiatives, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, and the arts.

Early Life and Education

Born on November 26, 1981, Natasha grew up in Pune, India, where she attended St. Mary’s School. She later pursued her undergraduate degree at the University of Pune before moving to London to complete her Master’s degree at the London School of Economics in 2004. Her early academic and global exposure laid the foundation for her future endeavors in both business and philanthropy.

Marriage and Family Life

In 2006, Natasha married Adar Poonawalla, the heir to one of India’s most prominent business families. The couple met at a New Year’s Eve party hosted by business tycoon Vijay Mallya in Goa, and they now share two sons, Cyrus and Darius. While Adar oversees the operations of the Serum Institute, Natasha has made a name for herself as a philanthropist and socialite, managing the family’s charitable arm, the Villoo Poonawalla Foundation, named after her mother-in-law.

Fashion and Global Recognition

Natasha Poonawalla is frequently seen gracing the red carpets of prestigious events like the Met Gala, where her fashion choices often push boundaries. She was one of the few Indians to attend the Met Gala 2024 and wowed onlookers in a custom Maison Margiela gown by John Galliano.

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Known for her daring fashion choices, Natasha embraced the "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" theme with a striking sculpted white strapless bodycon dress featuring a sweetheart neckline. The gown's dramatic flair came from sheer black torn chiffon detailing and intricate embellishments, blending elegance with an edgy twist.

Known for blending high fashion with experimental design, she most recently made waves by attending Harper’s Bazaar’s Women of the Year awards, donning futuristic dresses inspired by technology and repurposed materials. Her daring fashion statements have earned her widespread acclaim, with celebrities and fashion enthusiasts praising her ability to seamlessly integrate style and sustainability.

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Beyond her fashion influence, Natasha and her husband have also been recognized for their societal contributions. In addition to their business successes, they have been lauded for their philanthropic efforts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the Serum Institute played a pivotal role in vaccine production. Natasha’s work with the foundation has also drawn attention, with a focus on improving education and healthcare outcomes across India.

A New Chapter in the Entertainment Industry

Natasha’s husband, Adar Poonawalla, recently made headlines for acquiring a 50 percent stake in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Dharmatic Entertainment through his production company, Serene Productions. This move marks the Poonawalla family’s foray into the entertainment industry, positioning them as significant players in Bollywood.

The strategic partnership, valued at Rs 1,000 crore, aims to combine the legacy of Dharma Productions, known for its cultural and emotionally resonant storytelling, with Adar Poonawalla’s strategic insight and resources. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to partner with one of the most iconic production houses in our nation, along with my friend Karan Johar. We hope to build and grow Dharma and scale even greater heights in the years to come,” Adar Poonawalla said in a press release.

Karan Johar, who will retain a 50 percent stake in Dharma and continue as Executive Chairman, expressed excitement about the collaboration: “From its inception, Dharma Productions has been synonymous with heartfelt storytelling that captures the essence of Indian culture. 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 collaboration is set to transform the Indian entertainment landscape by integrating advanced technologies and exploring new platforms for content creation. Apoorva Mehta, CEO of Dharma, added, “This partnership with Adar realizes our vision and marks a new era where cinema, streaming, and global content converge.”

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An Icon in Her Own Right

While Adar’s acquisition has spotlighted the Poonawalla family in the media once again, Natasha’s prominence in both philanthropic and fashion circles continue to make her a notable figure. As a close friend of Bollywood wives and actresses especially Kareena Kapoor, Malaika Arora and Amrita Arora, Natasha moves effortlessly between the worlds of business, philanthropy, and high society.

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She is often spotted partying with Kareena, Malaika and the rest of the Crème de la crème from Bollywood in Mumbai.