Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of Serum Institute of India, is reportedly acquiring a 50 per cent share in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Dharmatic Entertainment. The businessman will execute the deal worth Rs 1,000 crore via his private investment arm, Serene Productions.
Who is Adar Poonawalla?
The son of Indian vaccine billionaire, Cyrus Poonawalla, Adar sits at the helm of his family business built over generations. The businessman joined the Serum Institute of India in 2001 and assumed the responsibility of the CEO of the company a decade later in 2011, reported Times Now.
Adar Poonawalla also sits on the board of GAVI Alliance, the global vaccine alliance. In 2014, the entrepreneur launched the polio vaccine in India, and worked on vaccines against dengue, cervical cancer, and flu.
Net Worth And Family
Forbes estimated his net worth to be at Rs 1.83 lakh crore. Married to Natasha Poonawalla, Adar holds a degree in biotechnology and management from the University of Westminster. Natasha holds the position of the Executive Director in the Serum Institute of India and is also the CEO of Pune-based SII.
She also acts as the chairperson of her family’s foundation, Villoo Poonawalla Foundation, which focused on philanthropy in causes like environment conservation, education, healthcare, etc. She has a Master of Science degree in Organisational Behaviour from the London School of Economics.
Also Read : Adar Poonawalla's Serene Productions To Acquire 50% Stake In Karan Johar's Dharma Productions For Rs 1000 Cr
Major Investments
Adar and his wife reside in the Adar Abad Poonawalla House in Pune. The businessman acquired a mansion in London’s Mayfair, the Aberconway House for £138 million (approximately Rs 1,500 crore).
The Lincoln House, located in Mumbai, is a home to the entire Poonawalla family and was bought from the US government in 2015 for approximately Rs 934 crore.
Adar boasts an expensive car collection including wheels such as Ferrari, Bentley, Chevy Corvette, Lamborghini, and Rolls Royce, among others.