Renowned producer Karan Johar received an odd offer from Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who is presently being held in Tihar jail in New Delhi on extortion charges. The con man suggested buying between 50 and 70 percent of Dharma Productions, Johar’s producing firm. This “Letter of Intent” was issued from Tihar, one of the biggest jails in Asia through the law company Anantam law.
Sukesh Chandrashekar Offered to Buy Stake in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions
Sukesh stated in the letter that he was interested in purchasing a majority stake in Dharma Productions, but he stressed that there was “no-negotiation” to the offer. He mentioned that the sale might be completed in 48 hours provided the terms were approved. The letter, which Sukesh’s PR team later revealed, stated, “This is a letter of intent regarding acquiring a major portion of stake in your company, Dharma Productions.” 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.
Sukesh acknowledged the difficulties brought up by his questionable image and said that although the idea might seem “unusual,” his intentions were genuine. “As a movie enthusiast, movies are more than just a business to me—they’re a passion and an emotion. Karan, so I’m sure this offer may seem strange coming from the walls of Asia’s biggest prison, but the greatest and most amazing things come from extraordinary circumstances, locations, and people,” he wrote.
In addition, Sukesh conveyed his enthusiasm for Karan Johar, calling him a “wonderful human” and emphasizing Jacqueline Fernandez’s regard for Johar— whom he referred as the “love of his life.”
“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 Stake/infuse funds in your Company and Become a part of your family,” he shared in the letter.
For Rs 1000 crore, CEO of the Serum Institute of India Adar Poonawalla plans to purchase a 50% share in Dharma Productions and Dharmatic Entertainment. Dharma Productions will retain a minority interest following Poonawalla’s investment, which he made through Serene Productions in his personal capacity. Karan Johar will remain Executive Chairman.