Dharma Productions Ends Partnership with Cornerstone and Launches New Indian Talent Agency
Dharma Productions Relaunches Talent Agency Following Split with Cornerstone
Dharma Productions is set to relaunch its talent agency after officially separating from Cornerstone, marking a significant transition in its business structure. The agency confirmed its acquisition of Cornerstone’s stake in the Dharma Cornerstone Agency and will rebrand as the Dharma Collab Artists Agency (DCAA).
This development follows a report from Storyboard18 that highlighted increasing tensions between Karan Johar, co-owner of Dharma Productions, and Cornerstone’s founder, Bunty Sajdeh. Sources cited in the report suggested that discord intensified after Adar Poonawalla, a pharmaceutical magnate and founder of Serene Productions, acquired a 50% share in Dharma Productions and Dharmatic Entertainment earlier this year.
To address speculation about the split, Johar took to Instagram, emphasizing the long-standing friendship between himself and Sajdeh. He stated, “Bunty and I mutually agreed to part ways and yet keep our strong friendship and equation exactly the way it’s always been.” Johar expressed optimism for Sajdeh’s future in talent management.
Uday, who has two decades of experience in talent management, music, and live entertainment, will lead the DCAA. Dharma Productions outlined his mission to expand the agency’s reach and create new opportunities for culturally influential talent across diverse platforms.
DCAA’s talent roster will feature prominent names such as Janhvi Kapoor, Ananya Panday, Sara Ali Khan, and Disha Patani, among others. Apoorva Mehta, CEO of Dharma Productions, articulated the agency’s commitment to fostering talent, stating, “Talent has always shaped Dharma’s identity, influencing both our creative choices and how we build for the future.”
Singh Gauri, CEO of DCAA, elaborated on the agency’s vision, emphasizing a more holistic approach to talent representation that includes cultural understanding and business acumen. He stated, “Our focus is on developing long-term careers across multiple formats while creating meaningful pathways between talent and opportunity.”
Dharma Productions, established in 1976 by the late Yash Johar, has become one of India’s leading production houses under Karan Johar’s stewardship. The company has produced numerous acclaimed films, including Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and My Name is Khan. The agency’s sibling, Dharmatic Entertainment, is also known for popular streaming content in collaboration with platforms like Netflix and Prime Video.
Serene Productions currently holds a 50% stake in both Dharma Productions and Dharmatic Entertainment through a ₹1,000 crore investment, making this relaunch a pivotal move in the evolving landscape of talent management in India.
