In a decisive move, Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, has officially acquired the domain name JioHotstar.com, concluding months of legal and commercial wrangling. Recent WHOis records confirm that Manish Painuly, Senior Director at Viacom18, is listed as the registrant and administrative contact for the domain. The domain is now officially registered under Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd, headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
A journey across continents
The domain JioHotstar.com has a complex ownership history. Initially registered by a Delhi-based engineer, it was later transferred to siblings Jainam and Jivika in Dubai. The domain’s association with prominent brands Reliance Jio and Disney+ Hotstar fueled speculation about its value, particularly during discussions of a potential merger.
Reportedly, the Delhi engineer had sought financial support for his Cambridge University education in exchange for the domain—a request that Reliance declined. Following this, the Dubai-based siblings acquired the domain and subsequently transferred it to Reliance’s legal team last month. Contrary to media speculation, the siblings stated that the transfer was voluntary, denying any financial compensation or coercion.
Viacom18 and Its expanding digital footprint
Viacom18, a joint venture between Reliance Industries’ TV18 and Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS), operates some of India’s most popular television channels, including Colors, MTV India, Nickelodeon, and VH1. Its digital arm, JioCinema, has also experienced significant growth, bolstered by its partnership as the official digital streaming platform for the IPL.
This acquisition strengthens Reliance’s digital portfolio, with JioHotstar.com potentially serving as a strategic asset in its digital content ecosystem.
Manish Painuly’s role in digital strategy
Manish Painuly, Senior Director at Viacom18, has been instrumental in driving the company’s digital transformation. With over 16 years at Viacom18, Painuly’s expertise spans digital product management, IT cost optimization, and web strategy. His contributions to projects such as VOOT and JioCinema have positioned Viacom18 as a leader in the digital entertainment landscape.
A resolution at last
The final transfer of JioHotstar.com cements Reliance’s ownership, closing a chapter of extended ownership disputes. This acquisition marks a significant step in Reliance’s digital ambitions, paving the way for new opportunities in India’s competitive digital entertainment industry.
