Disney+ Hotstar

Today, we honor the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of our nation, whose principles of truth, non-violence, and simplicity continue to inspire us. Let’s take a moment to reflect on his timeless teachings and remember that change begins with each of us. 💬 Whether it’s in our daily lives, our communities, or the workplace—Gandhiji's words remind us that every small act of kindness and integrity can make a difference. Be the change you wish to see in the world. 🌍✌️ #GandhiJayanti #MahatmaGandhi #Inspiration #Hotstar

In July 2019, Vitesh Dhawan joined Disney+ Hotstar as an Assistant Manager in SVOD Analytics on a humble two-member team. Fast forward five years, and that small team has evolved into a powerhouse of 50+, with Vitesh now leading the content analytics charter as a Senior Manager with a team of six. From tracking key KPIs to navigating diverse content categories, he’s driving insights that shape the future of entertainment across multiple segments. Reflecting on his journey, Vitesh shares, “My experience at Disney+ Hotstar has been filled with learning and growth. I started as an individual contributor and now manage a team that oversees content performance KPIs and drives end to end content analytics across SVOD content categories (Ent + Sports).” He adds, “A key milestone in my career has been building and leading a high-performing team, enabling content strategy decisions with a data-driven approach. Another significant achievement was spearheading the adoption of the content ROI charter, which has fundamentally transformed how we evaluate content from a unit economics perspective.” Vitesh acknowledges the significant role Disney+ Hotstar has played in his professional development: “The company has given me the freedom to express my ideas and manage my team in my own way. Working across different verticals has broadened my understanding of diverse business challenges and enhanced my ability to collaborate with new stakeholders.” Mentorship and support have been pivotal to Vitesh's growth: “I've received invaluable guidance from my managers and colleagues. The lessons I’ve learned—like focusing on impact and tying analysis to actionable outcomes—have shaped my career.” Beyond this, Vitesh deeply values team bonding and collaboration. He shares, “I’ve been fortunate to build strong connections with colleagues, working closely with teams across the business - Growth, Marketing, Product and Finance. Effective collaboration has been a key driver of my role, and it’s something I genuinely embrace.” Describing the company culture, Vitesh says, “Disney+ Hotstar has a fantastic culture that fosters the open expression of ideas and data-driven decision-making. A flat hierarchy and endless opportunities for participating in leadership discussions, make it an inspiring place to work.” Looking back on his five-year journey, Vitesh concludes, “What truly stands out is the constant opportunity to tackle new challenges alongside incredibly talented people. Content is at the heart of everything we do, and I’m proud to be a part of delivering world-class experiences to audiences everywhere.” Stay tuned for more inspiring #LifeAtHotstar stories! #Hotstar #EmployeeExperience #OTT #Analytics #workculture #teamwork #collaboration

We brought home 2 Golds at The Economic Times Brand Equity Martech Awards last week! 🏅 Industry Award across OTT Platforms 🏅 Personalization in Communication to Improve Retention These awards highlight our commitment to delivering the best for our users. The credit goes to our incredible teams across Product, Engineering, Growth, and Marketing who make magic happen every day! #Martech #Teamwork #Awards #Innovation #Hotstar #OTT #times

🎬 Finally! Inside Out 2 is now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar! Just like emotions, great stories have layers! Catch it only on Disney+ Hotstar, where nostalgia meets new adventures. Embrace the journey of growth and self-discovery—and revisit the magic of Inside Out while you're at it! 🍿✨ #insideout #hotstar #OTT #Disney #trending #creativity #inspiration

As an Associate Director at Hotstar Specials, Varun Malik reflects on his journey with both pride and enthusiasm, stating, “I can’t imagine my life without Hotstar Specials in it.” Varun’s passion for storytelling began long before his time at Hotstar. After an inspiring stint with Star Sports, where he produced documentaries celebrating athletes, he eagerly joined Hotstar in 2015. He dove into producing and directing shows from IPL to Kabaddi, helping build the brand from the ground up. Though he later moved to an international network, Disney+ Hotstar’s evolution pulled him back in 2019. With a portfolio featuring over 23 shows and 3 movies, Varun has made a significant impact. He proudly shares, “Creating shows like Criminal Justice, Special Ops, Legend of Hanuman, Taaza Khabar, City of Dreams, and Aakhri Sach has been a journey of bringing stories to life that are both engaging and thought-provoking.” Inclusivity is at the core of Varun’s storytelling. He emphasizes, “Hotstar is a platform for a diverse audience. We ask ourselves, ‘Is this story inclusive? Will it engage viewers and evoke emotions?’ If the answer is yes, we pursue it.” Varun views success through multiple lenses. “While data is one measure, I also consider social chatter and the impact on viewers' lives,” he notes. “For instance, Criminal Justice isn’t just entertaining; it serves as a crucial mirror to society, addressing sensitive issues with a gentle touch. From undertrials in our justice system to marital abuse and juvenile delinquency, our stories engage and educate, creating characters that spark meaningful conversations.” He adds, “Taaza Khabar was a leap into the unexplored genre of Magical Realism. Working with Bhuvan Bam and blending Indian family values with magic was a risk that paid off.” This innovative approach has set new benchmarks in storytelling. Varun values feedback from all corners - whether from fan interactions, housekeeping staff or the legal team. “I seek input from everyone,” he says, highlighting how a fan among the staff helped tighten the pacing of City of Dreams in its second season. This openness keeps Disney+ Hotstar’s stories relevant and impactful. Looking ahead, Varun states, “Disney+ Hotstar will always be the go-to brand for exceptional stories. We invest in great narratives, new talents, and innovative ideas, creating an ecosystem where storytelling thrives.” Stay tuned for more riveting #LifeAtHotstar stories and exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses into the magic of #StoriesWeTell. We promise to bring you closer to the creative process and the passion that drives our content. #Innovation #Entertainment #BehindTheScenes #Culture #Hotstar #DisneyPlusHotstar #OTT #LifeAtDisney

Exciting News! Hotstar Specials - The Night Manager is lighting up the global stage as the only Indian series nominated for Best Drama at the International Emmys 2024! 🌍✨ A massive congratulations to the incredible team behind this achievement! 🎬👏 Haven’t watched it yet? Now’s the perfect time to dive into the action and experience the thrill firsthand! 🔥🎥 Stream it now and join in the celebration of Indian talent making waves globally! 🏆❤️ #TheNightManager #InternationalEmmys #ProudMoment #OTT #Hotstar

Charu Jain joined Disney+ Hotstar in 2020, bringing her consulting expertise and passion for consumer internet products. As a Staff Product Analyst, she is at the forefront of creating personalized, seamless content discovery experiences. Charu’s journey at Hotstar has been marked by both personal and professional growth, as she continues to enhance how millions discover and engage with the content they love. Born and raised in Jaipur, Charu now lives in Bengaluru with her husband Anshul and their baby boy, Neev. A fitness enthusiast with a love for adventure and sports, Charu’s discipline and drive—instilled through her years as a national-level basketball player—are evident in her approach to both work and life. When Charu became a new mother, she found immense value in Disney+ Hotstar's 6+6 maternity benefit, a unique offering allowing new mothers to return to work at their own pace. “The 6+6 benefit is amazing. It gave me the time I needed to adjust to motherhood and return to work when I felt ready,” Charu says. “Whoever I tell this to is surprised and concurs with the same feeling as mine. I don’t know any other company that provides such a benefit.” Charu chose to return after seven months, gradually ramping up from 50% bandwidth to full-time. ”While some of my peers took extended time off, I missed the work and the life I had before becoming a parent. While I loved the time with my son, I felt ready to get back.” The Disney+ Hotstar’s culture played a key role in making the transition smoother, she says. “The support from my managers and stakeholders was incredible. I had the flexibility to work from home, set my hours, and maintain a healthy balance between work and family.” Charu's team adjusted to her needs, enabling her to complete work during quieter hours, often after her son was asleep. Balancing work and motherhood wasn’t without challenges. “There’s always more to do than time allows, but with the support of my team, I’ve found my rhythm.” Charu encourages other new moms returning to work to ask for help and be kind to themselves. “It’s okay to not have everything in perfect balance. Prioritize what’s important and don’t let guilt consume you. And most importantly, carve out time for yourself—your well-being matters.” Reflecting on her experience, Charu says, “All the juggling and planning has made me more efficient both at home and at work. I’m proud that I’m able to be there for my baby while still delivering and creating impact at work.” Isn't it remarkable what mothers do, balancing both personal and professional worlds? Stay tuned for more inspiring #lifeathotstar stories. #hotstar #DisneyPlusHotstar #worklifebalance #mothers #returntowork

🚀 Excited to share that Disney+ Hotstar has launched an AI-powered data saver feature! Now, users can enjoy seamless streaming while conserving data, even in low-network areas. This is another step toward making entertainment more accessible for everyone. 🌐 https://rb.gy/l13qru #AI #TechInnovation #Streaming #DisneyPlusHotstar #DigitalTransformation

Meet Manu Vohra, Associate Director in the Category Team at Disney+ Hotstar, who leads the sports category. His role involves crafting strategies based on consumer demand and global trends, owning key business metrics for the sports category, and overseeing tournament delivery on the platform. Manu shares, “I’m proud to be part of Disney+ Hotstar, where I can truly make a difference in how sports content is experienced by our audience.” Manu values his role at Disney+ Hotstar for its unique transformative  opportunities. “Working with some of the smartest minds and having the freedom to turn innovative ideas into reality is one of the biggest rewards,” he says. A project that holds special significance for him is Maxview, a revolutionary vertical cricket viewing experience launched during the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023. “We set out to redefine mobile cricket viewing, creating a unique experience tailored specifically for mobile users,” Manu explains. In a first for the sport, the innovation involved a comprehensive redesign of traditional viewing formats - transforming match feeds, graphics, and app design for vertical screens. The success of Maxview was driven by seamless collaboration among teams from Disney+ Hotstar, Star Sports, and ICC. Building on this success, an upgraded version was launched for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June 2024. Manu shares, “Seeing our work resonate with cricket fans and elevate their experience is incredibly rewarding. For instance, adding sign language commentary to our live streams was a groundbreaking milestone, allowing audiences with hearing impairment to fully experience the thrill of the World Cup victory, making that triumph accessible to everyone.” Disney+ Hotstar's vibrant and energetic culture, coupled with its immense reach, empowers employees to make a significant impact. “What sets Disney+ Hotstar apart is its unparalleled scale. Any initiative here touches millions of lives. Globally, few organizations offer the chance to create such widespread influence,” he adds. Manu reflects with deep satisfaction, “Sports has been a cornerstone of my life. When India clinched the T20 World Cup this year, I was right there with the production teams at the Mumbai office—one of the first to feel the rush of that victory; the exhilaration of that experience is a testament to the unique magic of working at Disney+ Hotstar. This isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to be part of something truly extraordinary.” Stay tuned for more inspiring #LifeAtHotstar stories. #Hotstar #DisneyPlusHotstar #OTT #EmployeeExperience #Cricket #Sports #Creativity #technology #T20worldcup

Disney+ Hotstar shone brightly at the Media and Entertainment Creative Marketing award, Promax! We're thrilled to announce that we bagged 8 Golds and 6 Silvers, making us one of the most awarded platforms. This incredible tally is a testament to our craft, innovative strategies, and seamless collaboration across teams. From the Best 360 Campaign for ICC Men’s ODI World Cup to Best Drama Campaign, Best Key Art and Logo for Saas Bahu and Flamingo and School of Lies, to Best Originated Promo & Use of Humour for Koffee With Karan, we've excelled across diverse categories. And this adds to the 7 Golds we won at Promax Asia just a couple of months ago. Thank you to everyone who made this possible! #DisneyPlusHotstar #PromaxIndia #CreativeExcellence #Wins #Hotstar #marketing #OTT