Filmmaker and producer Karan Johar has announced the end of his professional partnership with Bunty Sajdeh at Dharma Cornerstone Agency (DCA), marking a significant moment in the evolution of Dharma Productions’ business structure. The decision comes at a time when Dharma is undergoing a larger strategic restructuring, following the reported sale of a 50 per cent stake in the production house to Adar Poonawalla. While the move signals a major corporate shift, Johar has emphasised that the split is strictly professional and amicable.
Credits: Deadline
A Mutual Decision Amid Dharma’s Restructuring
Taking to Instagram, Karan Johar described the past few months as a challenging phase for Dharma and its allied ventures. He explained that the restructuring process required a reorganisation of operations and a consolidation of verticals under one umbrella. As part of this transition, Johar and Sajdeh mutually agreed to part ways at DCA, a venture they had jointly built by combining Dharma’s creative legacy with Cornerstone’s talent management expertise.
Johar’s message highlighted that the decision was taken after careful consideration and with complete mutual respect. He stressed that while their professional paths may now diverge, their personal bond remains unchanged.
Friendship Remains Intact Beyond Business
In his statement, Johar was candid about the depth of his relationship with Sajdeh, calling him a dear friend of many years. He reflected on their leap into the professional world with DCA and acknowledged the growth the agency witnessed during their partnership. Johar also extended his full support to Sajdeh’s future ventures, stating that he looks forward to seeing his next chapter in the talent management space.
The filmmaker underlined that the friendship between the two will continue as it always has, reinforcing that the separation was not driven by conflict but by evolving business priorities.
DCA’s Influence in Films and Sports
Since its inception, Dharma Cornerstone Agency has carved a strong presence in the talent management ecosystem, representing some of the biggest names in Indian cinema and sports. Its roster has included leading Bollywood actors such as Janhvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan and Tiger Shroff, alongside sports icons like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Bunty Sajdeh, a well-known figure in talent and sports management, also has close ties to the cricketing world. He is related to Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma through marriage and is the brother of Seema Sajdeh, Sohail Khan’s former wife. His exit marks the end of a high-profile collaboration that bridged entertainment and sports under one banner.
Dharma Acquires Stake, DCA Rebranded as DCAA
Following the restructuring, Dharma Productions has acquired Cornerstone’s stake in DCA and is relaunching the agency under a new identity — Dharma Collab Artists Agency (DCAA). The revamped platform will now function as Dharma’s exclusive talent management arm, with a broader focus across films, music, sports, live experiences and cultural collaborations.
The rebranding reflects Dharma’s ambition to build a comprehensive artist ecosystem that goes beyond traditional representation, aligning with the company’s larger vision of creating an integrated entertainment conglomerate.
Leadership Continuity and Expanded Vision
Despite the ownership and branding changes, DCAA retains leadership continuity. Uday Singh Gauri continues as CEO, while senior film journalist and industry insider Rajeev Masand serves as COO. Their roles are expected to bring stability and strategic direction as the agency expands its scope.
Apoorva Mehta, CEO of Dharma Productions, stated that talent has always been central to Dharma’s identity. He described DCAA as a long-term, structured platform designed to support artists across disciplines and deepen Dharma’s engagement with the creative economy.
Credits: Mint
A Diverse Roster and Johar’s Creative Road Ahead
DCAA’s roster features a mix of established and emerging talent from films, music and digital culture, including Janhvi Kapoor, Ananya Panday, Sara Ali Khan, Disha Patani, Aditya Roy Kapur, Neeti Mohan, Jonita Gandhi, Orry and Sumukhi Suresh, among others.
On the creative front, Karan Johar is also preparing for his next directorial project after the success of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani in 2023. As Dharma enters this new phase, the separation from Bunty Sajdeh marks not an end, but a strategic reset — one that reflects the evolving dynamics of India’s entertainment business.
