A Delhi-based developer has reportedly acquired the domain "JioHotstar" amidst ongoing talks of a merger between Reliance's JioCinema and Disney's Hotstar. The merger is said to be approaching final stages, pending regulatory approvals. In a bold move, the developer has asked Reliance Industries to sponsor their education at Cambridge University in exchange for handing over the domain.
A letter addressed to Reliance executives has been posted on the domain, where the developer explains the reasoning behind the acquisition. "I thought, 'If they acquire Hotstar, they might rename it to JioHotstar.com,'" said the anonymous individual. "My intention in purchasing this domain was simple: if the merger happens, I could potentially fulfill my dream of studying at Cambridge."
The developer, who had previously been accepted into Cambridge University's Accelerate programme in 2021, shared their motivation, "I couldn't get into IIT, but I've always wanted to learn from the best. Coming from a Tier-II college, getting selected for the Accelerate programme was a major achievement for me."
ALSO READ | Sajith Sivanandan Resigns As Head Of Disney Hotstar Following Reliance Merger: Report
They further elaborated that Cambridge also offers a full degree programme in entrepreneurship, which they had always aspired to pursue but couldn't afford due to its high cost. The developer is now seeking Rs 1 crore to cover the tuition fees for an Executive MBA at the prestigious institution.
With the merger reportedly nearing confirmation, the developer believes the name "JioHotstar" would be a perfect fit for the newly combined platform, preserving the brand value of both JioCinema and Hotstar.
However, in the latest developments, the developer revealed that Reliance has declined the request for funding and is instead pursuing legal action to resolve the issue. The developer described the requested amount as a "minor expense" for Reliance, but a "life-changing opportunity" for their academic aspirations.