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Jio Cinema install-base languishes at 90 million just a week before the IPL
Mumbai: Low intent to download the app through WPL coupled with several functional issues and the overarching preference to consume live sports on TV makes the struggle real for Jio Cinema.
With just a couple of days left for TATA IPL to begin, the Official Streaming App Jio Cinema is facing a massive struggle to get audiences to download their mobile app. According to app analytics company DATA.AI, despite the Women’s Premier League and launch of IPL promos, the install-base of Jio Cinema is restricted to a mere 90 million just a week before IPL begins. The app has witnessed only 6% increase in install-base through Women’s T20 tournament between 3rd and 18th March, which also includes the widespread promotion of the Jio Cinema promos for IPL. To add to that, social media platforms have witnessed huge backlash from viewers as the Jio Cinema app malfunctioned through the WPL with issues ranging from the crashing of the app to freezing of ads leading to viewers missing live action.
Commenting on the current state of Jio Cinema leading up to IPL, an industry expert said, “The claim of reaching 500 million on digital this year on IPL seems far-fetched to say the least. Their install-base just a handful of days before IPL is struggling and there have been several issues with the functioning of the app throughout WPL. IPL on digital is behind the 8 ball as it stands, and a lot of ground would have to be covered to salvage the situation.”
There has been significantly low demand for Jio Cinema and mobile viewing of live cricket as audiences continue to choose TV as their outright preference. Audience intent to download Jio Cinema in the runup to IPL too has been underwhelming with app downloads restricted to merely 0.4 million per day a week before IPL adding to the existing 91 million install-base. Even if this rate of downloads doubles through the duration of IPL, Jio Cinema’s install-base would be restricted below 150 million, a scale merely a fraction of TV.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
