Who is the Founder of Hotstar?

Disney+ Hotstar has taken the world by storm, revolutionizing entertainment consumption in India and beyond. But who holds the title of “Founder of Hotstar”? The answer might surprise you. While a single individual doesn’t claim the spotlight in the traditional sense, the platform’s story involves a fascinating interplay of visionaries and collaborators.

Who is the Founder of Hotstar?

While Star India, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is the driving force behind Hotstar, it’s not a single founder but a team of visionaries who recognized the potential of online streaming and capitalized on it. Today, Sajith Sivanandan leads the charge as President and Head of Disney+ Hotstar India, while K. Madhavan holds the reins as President.

From Cricket to Content King: Hotstar’s Rise to Fame

Hotstar’s journey began in 2015, coinciding with the Cricket World Cup and Indian Premier League, for which Star India held the streaming rights. Recognizing the potential of online viewership, Star India launched Hotstar, a platform offering free access to TV shows, movies, and, most importantly, live sports. This accessibility, coupled with the popularity of cricket, catapulted Hotstar into the Indian market.

Hotstar’s Diversification and Global Expansion

Hotstar didn’t stop at cricket. It progressively expanded its library, encompassing regional content, original series, and Hollywood blockbusters. This strategic diversification attracted a wider audience, solidifying Hotstar’s position as the premier Indian OTT platform.

In 2019, Disney acquired Star India, bringing Hotstar under its umbrella. This merger led to the birth of Disney+ Hotstar, combining the magic of Disney with Hotstar’s extensive Indian content library.

Who Is the CEO of Hotstar?

The current CEO of Hotstar, technically known as Disney+ Hotstar in its merged form, is Sajith Sivanandan. He holds the title of President and Head of Disney+ Hotstar India.

Sivanandan is a seasoned media executive with extensive experience in the Indian market. He joined Star India in 2009 and has held various leadership positions across the company, including heading its digital business. He took over the reins of Hotstar in 2018, a pivotal time as the platform was experiencing immense growth and preparing for its integration with Disney+.

Under Sivanandan’s leadership, Disney+ Hotstar has further cemented its position as the leading streaming platform in India. He has overseen the expansion of the platform’s content library, including the launch of several successful Disney+ Originals like “Aarya” and “Scam 1992.” He has also played a key role in driving Hotstar’s international expansion, making it available in select markets outside India.

Sivanandan is widely recognized as a thought leader in the Indian media industry. He is a regular speaker at conferences and events, where he shares his insights on the future of streaming and the evolving content landscape in India.

So, while Hotstar technically doesn’t have a singular “founder” due to its evolution and acquisition by Disney, Sivanandan stands as the key figure leading the platform through its current exciting chapter as Disney+ Hotstar.

Hotstar’s Legacy: A Reshaped Entertainment Landscape

Hotstar’s impact on the entertainment landscape is undeniable. It has:

• Pioneered free content streaming in India, making entertainment accessible to a wider audience.
• Fueled the OTT revolution, shifting viewers from traditional TV to online platforms.
• Empowered regional content creators, providing a platform for diverse stories and languages.
• Become a global force, with a presence in various countries and a growing international audience.

The Future of Hotstar

With its focus on user-friendly features, diverse content, and strategic partnerships, Hotstar is poised for continued growth. As it expands its international reach and embraces new technologies, Hotstar is sure to remain a leading force in the global streaming market.

Founder of Hotstar – FAQ

1. Who is the owner of Hotstar?

Technically, Hotstar is owned by Novi Digital Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Star India. However, in 2019, The Walt Disney Company acquired Star India, including Hotstar, making Disney the ultimate owner of the platform.

2. Which country made Hotstar?

Hotstar was created in India by Star India in 2015. Even though Disney now owns it, Hotstar primarily focuses on Indian content and remains the leading streaming platform in the country.

3. Who owns Disney?

Disney is publicly traded, which means no single entity owns it entirely. The majority of its shares are held by institutional investors like mutual funds and hedge funds. However, the largest individual shareholder is the Walt Disney Foundation, which owns around 5% of the company.

4. Who will buy Disney Hotstar?

There are currently no concrete rumors or talks about Disney selling Hotstar or Disney+ Hotstar (the combined platform). As a massive and profitable segment of their business, it’s unlikely they would consider such a move without compelling reasons.

5. Is Disney+ same as Hotstar?

No, Disney+ and Hotstar are not the same. They are separate streaming platforms, although they have been combined in some regions under the name Disney+ Hotstar. This provides access to both platforms’ content in those regions. However, in other places, they remain distinct services.