Man Registers JioHotstar.Com; Demands Ambani-Owned Reliance To Fund Education To Give Away Domain

In an unexpected twist ahead of the potential merger of Reliance's JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, a Delhi-based app developer has staked his claim on a domain name he believes could be the future of the combined platform. The anonymous individual, who shared his story on social media, has registered the domain "JioHotstar.com" and is now seeking an unusual trade: he wants Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Industries to fund his higher education at Cambridge University in exchange for the domain.

In a letter addressed to Reliance Industries, which he posted online, the developer explained how he came up with the idea. According to him, in early 2023, he stumbled upon reports that Disney+ Hotstar was losing users after losing the IPL streaming rights and that Disney was exploring a possible sale or merger with an Indian player. Inspired by Reliance's earlier acquisition and rebranding of Saavn to JioSaavn, he foresaw the possibility of a similar move if Jio acquired Hotstar.

"I thought, 'If they acquire Hotstar, they might rename it to JioHotstar.com.' I checked, and the domain was available," he wrote in his letter. Driven by the potential value of the domain in the event of a merger, the developer saw this as a unique opportunity to fund his dream of studying at Cambridge University.

The app developer detailed his prior experience with Cambridge University, having participated in its Accelerate program in 2021, a startup accelerator that he described as "transformational." However, the full entrepreneurship degree he dreams of pursuing is beyond his financial reach. "It's Cambridge, quite expensive," he wrote, noting that securing this domain could be his ticket to affording the education he longs for.

Now, with reports of the impending merger between JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, and the possibility of a single platform being launched, the developer is pitching the domain name "JioHotstar.com" as a fitting blend of both brands. In his letter, he appealed to Reliance Industries to make a formal offer to purchase the domain, claiming that while it may be a minor expense for the company, it would be "truly life-changing" for him.

The developer has yet to reveal his identity but is clear about his intentions. He is hopeful that the domain could play a role in Reliance's branding strategy, should they choose to use it, while also enabling him to fulfill his educational aspirations.

It remains to be seen whether Reliance will take up his offer, but the developer's bold move has certainly sparked interest, showcasing how even a domain name could potentially bridge the gap between corporate giants and personal dreams.

On the other hand, the Reliance Industries' Viacom18 and Star India might finalise the deal on merger in November as the regulatory approvals are pending. The deal is valued at $8.5 billion, The Times Of India reported.