iWorld
Jio Platforms names Anuj Gandhi chief business officer for digital TV
Executive to lead JioTV, JioTV plus and TeleOS strategy amid streaming battle
MUMBAI: Jio Platforms has appointed Anuj Gandhi as chief business officer, digital entertainment services, tasking him with leading its flagship television and connected-device platforms as competition in streaming and connected TV heats up.
In his new role, Gandhi will oversee JioTV and JioTV plus, while also steering operating system strategy for Jio TeleOS. His remit includes content planning and acquisition, platform growth and the development of strategic partnerships across the digital entertainment ecosystem.
Announcing the move on LinkedIn, Gandhi said his mandate was to build a consumer-centric, content-first ecosystem for the Indian market. He added that Jio’s television platforms were reshaping how millions consume media, while laying the groundwork for the future of connected living rooms in the country.
Gandhi will lead a cross-functional organisation spanning commercial, product, sales and delivery functions, as Jio seeks tighter integration between hardware, operating systems and content services. A key focus will be accelerating the rollout and adoption of Jio TeleOS, positioning it as a central layer in Jio’s broader digital entertainment strategy.
The appointment comes as Jio expands its footprint across content distribution, aggregation and original partnerships, aiming to cement its platforms as primary gateways for digital media consumption in India.
Before joining Jio Platforms, Gandhi founded streaming venture Streambox, which later shut down. He has also held senior leadership roles at IndiaCast, Den Networks and Set Discovery.
iWorld
JioHotstar enters micro-drama space with 100 shows under Tadka banner
Short-form push targets 300M users as content meets commerce in new format
MUMBAI: JioStar has made a bold play in India’s fast-growing micro-drama space, rolling out over 100 short-form shows under its new Tadka banner on JioHotstar, timed with the massive viewership surge of the Indian Premier League 2026.
The scale of the launch signals clear intent. Rather than testing the waters, the company has dived in headfirst, releasing a wide slate of content on day one. Each show is designed for quick consumption, with episodes running 60 to 90 seconds in a vertical format tailored for mobile-first audiences.
The move comes as India’s micro-drama market, currently valued at around $300 million, is projected to grow tenfold to over $3 billion by 2030. Globally, the format has already proven its mettle, with China’s micro-drama sector recording explosive growth in recent years.
What sets this rollout apart is its built-in monetisation strategy. The shows are free to watch and ad-supported, with brand integrations woven directly into storylines from the outset. It reflects a broader shift where content and commerce are increasingly intertwined, rather than operating in silos.
The timing is equally strategic. With more than 300 million users already tuning in for IPL action, JioHotstar is effectively turning cricket’s biggest stage into a discovery engine for its new format.
The company is not entering an empty arena. Early movers like Kuku TV, MX Player and platforms backed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises have already laid the groundwork, building audiences and validating demand for snackable storytelling.
Now, with scale, distribution and advertiser interest aligning, the big players are stepping in. For JioStar, Tadka may well serve as a proving ground for the next evolution of digital entertainment, where every minute counts and every second sells.
If the bet pays off, India’s next big content wave might just arrive in under 90 seconds.
