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Sukesh Chandrashekhar, incarcerated in Tihar jail, proposes acquiring a major stake in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, calling it a ‘no-negotiation’ offer.
Sukesh Chandrashekhar, currently jailed in Tihar for extortion, made a surprising offer to filmmaker Karan Johar, proposing to acquire a 50-70 percent stake in Dharma Productions.
Sukesh Chandrashekhar, currently incarcerated in New Delhi’s Tihar jail on charges of extortion, recently extended an unusual offer to renowned filmmaker Karan Johar. The conman proposed acquiring a 50-70 percent stake in Johar’s production company, Dharma Productions. This ‘Letter of Intent’ was sent from Tihar, one of Asia’s largest prisons, through a legal firm named Anantam Legal.
In the letter, Sukesh expressed his interest in acquiring a controlling share of Dharma Productions, emphasizing that the offer was ‘no-negotiation.’ He noted that if the terms were accepted, the deal could be finalized within 48 hours. “This is a letter of intent regarding acquiring a major portion of stake in your company, Dharma Productions,” read the letter, which was later shared by Sukesh’s PR team. The letter further explained that Sukesh’s financial advisor had informed him that Dharma Productions was seeking investment, and Sukesh’s company, LS Holdings, wanted to support the company’s expansion.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by his questionable reputation, Sukesh admitted that the proposal might seem ‘unusual’ but emphasized that his intentions were genuine. “For me, movies are not just a business, but a passion and an emotion, as I am personally a movie buff. I am sure this offer may seem unusual, coming from the walls of Asia’s largest prison, but Karan, the best and wonderful things happen from extraordinary situations, places, and persons,” he wrote.
Sukesh also expressed his admiration for Karan Johar, describing him as a ‘wonderful human’ and highlighting the respect that Jacqueline Fernandez, whom he described as the “love of his life,” has for Johar. “Me, my family, and are Big Fans of Dharma productions, Mainly the Wonderful Human Karan Johar, and most importantly Love of My Life Jacqueline, has huge Respect towards you, Which you very well know. So it’s a Privilege and an honour to acquire a Stake/infuse funds in your Company and Become a part of your family,” he shared in the letter.
Meanwhile, Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of the Serum Institute of India, is set to acquire a 50% stake in Dharma Productions and Dharmatic Entertainment for ₹1000 crore. Poonawalla’s investment, made in his private capacity through Serene Productions, will leave Dharma Productions with a residual stake, while Karan Johar will continue as Executive Chairman.
Dharma Productions, founded in 1976 by Karan Johar’s father, Yash Johar, has built a legacy with a portfolio of iconic Bollywood films such as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Raazi, Shershaah, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, and Brahmāstra.