Uday Shankar, Vice-Chairperson of the newly formed joint entity between Reliance Industries (RIL) and The Walt Disney Company, emphasized JioStar’s commitment to expanding streaming services to all sections of Indian society. Speaking to Bloomberg TV following the completion of the joint venture transaction, Shankar highlighted the company’s mission to go beyond premium subscription models and cater to underserved audiences.
Shankar, who is also a co-founder of Bodhi Tree Systems, expressed his belief in creating solutions for India’s 1.4 billion people, not just the top-tier demographic. “The real strength of India lies within its diverse population. Our focus is on making streaming accessible to the lowest echelons of society,” he said.
According to Shankar, the media industry often discusses India’s vast population but tailors its strategies to serve only a fraction of it. He noted the irony of companies targeting primarily the wealthiest 200-300 million people while overlooking the remaining majority. JioStar seeks to break this pattern by offering inclusive solutions.
Shankar underscored that the streaming platform’s approach is rooted in democratizing access to digital content. This vision aligns with JioStar’s broader goal of ensuring that technology and entertainment reach people across all socio-economic strata.
By challenging conventional premium-focused models, JioStar aims to revolutionize India’s digital entertainment landscape. Shankar believes this approach will not only unlock immense potential within the untapped segments of the market but also redefine the value proposition of streaming in India.
