Highlights
- A Delhi-based developer acquired the domain JioHotstar.com.
- Demands funding for his Cambridge dream in exchange.
- The domain name acquisition went viral with mixed reactions.
- Reliance declined the developer’s proposal and hinted at possible legal action.
The Indian entertainment industry is anticipating a major restructuring with the much-anticipated merger between JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar.
Industry analysts have predicted that the merged platform could soon dominate the Indian streaming space. The merger deal has been in the spotlight for quite a few months now but the recent news has taken every by surprise.
In an unexpected move, a tech-savvy individual from Delhi has acquired the domain name JioHotstar.com anticipating the future of the merged platform. While this could complicate plans for a unified streaming service under that name, the techie had some demands planned. Here’s the complete story.
Details of the JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar deal have been under wrap for now, but certain rumours suggested that the combined platform could be named JioHotstar.
Before the rumour could be confirmed, it was reported that the domain name JioHotstar.com had already been claimed by a Delhi-based app developer.
The domain now leads to a simple webpage with the message “Best of Entertainment, Streaming Soon,” alongside a message for Reliance executives, explaining the story behind the domain’s acquisition.
The developer reveals that he seized the domain in early 2023 after hearing reports of a potential merger due to Disney+ Hotstar’s subscriber loss, particularly after losing IPL streaming rights.
He shares, “I am an app developer based in Delhi, currently working on my startup. I came across news about Disney+ Hotstar’s dip in active users and thought Reliance could be the one to acquire it.”
Inspired by Jio’s past rebranding of Saavn to JioSaavn, he decided to check for the availability of the domain JioHotstar—and found it open.
The developer, however, isn’t looking for a quick gain.
In a heartfelt request on the domain’s homepage, he asks Reliance to help fund his dream of attending Cambridge University’s entrepreneurship program in exchange for the domain.
He shares his journey, explaining that a past project of his was selected for Cambridge’s Accelerate program but that financial constraints kept him from attending.
He writes, “Cambridge offers a full degree program in entrepreneurship, which I’ve always dreamed of pursuing but could never afford… I thought, ‘This might just be the opportunity to make that dream happen.”
The screenshots of the domain went viral on X (previously Twitter).
Kalesh b/w a Unknown guy and Jio Company over JioHotstar Domain (Someone bought the JioHotstar domain (before the merger) and wants Reliance to fund their higher studies from domain sale) pic.twitter.com/SmVa9prUvV
— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) October 24, 2024
Many users quickly came in support of the developer and expressed how Reliance can easily support his education. A user on X wrote, “Not gonna lie this is a really smart move and I’m pretty sure that £93,345 ain’t going waste.”
Another user commented, “I hope some lawyer comes forward and represents him.”
Reliance Declines Request
Meanwhile, the developer also updated the webpage with news of his request to Reliance for £93,345—matching Cambridge’s program fees—which was turned down by Ambujesh Yadav, AVP of Commercials at Reliance.
Yadav reportedly declined the proposal, even hinting at possible legal action to reclaim the domain.
In the update, the developer wrote, “I don’t have the power to stand against Reliance. I might automatically lose access of this domain in few hours. If any legal professional could help, I would be grateful.”
As the merger moves ahead, it remains to be seen how Reliance responds to this unexpected incident.
FAQs
Q1. What did the Delhi-based developer do in anticipation of the JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar merger?
Answer. The developer acquired the domain name JioHotstar.com and requested funding for his Cambridge dream in exchange for the domain.
Q2. How did Reliance respond to the developer’s proposal?
Answer. Reliance declined the developer’s proposal and hinted at possible legal action to reclaim the domain.
Also Read : Airtel offers cricket plans to Amazon Prime; earlier it was Disney Hotstar
Also Read : Reliance-Disney merger to become a reality; CCI approves $8.5 billion deal
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