Disney+ Hotstar

Starting a career at Disney+ Hotstar has been nothing short of an adventure for Ananya Reddi.  Now, nine months into her journey, she looks back at how it all began with a smile. "I joined Disney+ Hotstar straight out of university, and I was so drawn to its scale and the chance to work with data that impacts millions of people around the world. Coming from a data science background, I knew this was an opportunity like no other. But honestly, at first, I was a bit nervous! Thankfully, from day one, I felt the warmth of the team. The support was amazing, and it made all the difference in helping me settle in. I remember feeling lucky to be surrounded by such talented people. Everyone was open, willing to share, and eager to help me grow. The collaborative environment helped me learn quickly and dive into projects that actually mattered. Now, as part of the International Analytics team, I get to work with teams across EMEA and SEA, using data to help shape strategies for key business metrics like acquisition, retention, and engagement. It’s wild to see how the insights we generate can actually drive decisions and impact the future of the platform. Every day feels fast-paced, and there's always something new to learn. A big part of my growth has been thanks to the mentorship I’ve received. It’s not just about crunching numbers or analyzing data. I’ve learned to think more strategically, always keeping the bigger picture in mind and focusing on how our work impacts the users. The best thing about Disney+ Hotstar is that I’ve always felt heard. There are open conversations about my goals and needs, which has really empowered me, both professionally and personally. Looking back, I feel so proud of the work I’ve been a part of. Knowing that what I do plays a role in enhancing the experience for millions of people is such a rewarding feeling. It’s a constant reminder of why I wanted to be here in the first place." Nine months in, Ananya’s journey is just beginning, and we can't wait to see what's next for her! Stay tuned for more #LifeAtHotstar stories! #Hotstar #GrowthJourney #DisneyPlusHotstar

Meet ATHUL B from intern to full-time software developer at Disney+ Hotstar, his story is one you won’t want to miss! Check it out! “Joining Disney+ Hotstar as an intern in June 2022 was one of the best decisions I’ve made. What initially felt like deciphering an intricate code soon became an extraordinary journey of learning and discovery. College gave me a solid academic foundation, but real-world scenarios demanded practical skills that I developed on the job. The team leads and mentors I worked with, guided me through complex problem statements. With each assignment, my problem-solving approach improved, and I gained the confidence to deliver results. By July 2023, I was thrilled to step into my role as a full-time software development engineer  in Cloud Engineering bagging a PPO. At Disney+ Hotstar, we believe that a positive Developer Experience can significantly boost productivity and foster innovation. One impactful project I worked on was the CDN automation project. This initiative introduced structured reviews, version control for CDN configurations, automated deployments, and staged rollouts, streamlining the CDN configuration process. As a result, we achieved faster time to market, improved traceability, optimized efficiency, and consistency—crucial during major events like World Cup tournaments. By simplifying the process, we reduced the workload for developers and external teams, who provided overwhelmingly positive feedback. Disney+ Hotstar has been an incredible place to kickstart and shape my career. Two key lessons I've learned here that have helped me tremendously, and that I encourage my peers and all early-career professionals to take note of, are: 👉 See the Bigger Picture: It’s not just about finishing tasks; it’s about understanding your customers' needs—in my case, developers—and finding ways to simplify their work. 👉 Seek Support and Mentorship When Needed: Collaborating with peers and seeking guidance from experienced colleagues can spark transformative ideas and accelerate your growth.” Stay Tuned for more #LifeatHotstar Stories. #DisneyPlusHotstar #careergrowth #OTT #Hotstar #employeeExperience #CloudEngineering 

Our Staff Software Development Engineer, Ajay Choudhary, has written an incredible article on how we scale for millions of users! Whether you're a tech enthusiast excited to explore the complexities of running massive infrastructure or just curious about how it all works, this is your masterclass.💡Packed with insights and practical strategies, it's a fascinating peek behind the scenes of our world. Don't miss out! 🙌 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dz2_MB_k #Hotstar #LifeAtHotstar #TechSimplified #BehindTheScenes #InnovationInAction #CuriousMinds #HotstarTech #DisneyPlusHotstar #TechInnovation #ScalingUp #EngineeringExcellence #DigitalInfrastructure

At Disney+ Hotstar, we don’t just work hard—we celebrate even harder! Our recent End of Year Celebrations brought our amazing teams together for some well-deserved fun outside the office walls. From the stylish soirée hosted by our fabulous Beijing crew to the energetic Bollywood bashes in Gurgaon, Mumbai, and Bangalore, Hotstarians sure know how to let loose! Check out these unforgettable moments that showcase our incredible spirit and camaraderie! 💖✨ #LifeAtHotstar #Hotstar #WorkHardPartyHarder #teamcelebrations

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