iWorld
JioHotstar scores a ton, hits 100 million subscribers in streaming blitz
MUMBAI: JioHotstar has smashed through the 100 million subscriber barrier, a right royal victory in India’s streaming wars. The platform, a product of the $8.5 billion Disney-Reliance mega-merger, has turned streaming from a posh indulgence into a daily must-have for millions of Indians. They’ve clearly got their ducks in a row.
Their secret weapon? Sports, and lots of it. They’ve snapped up the rights to the IPL, ICC events, and the Women’s Premier League, turning cricket into a digital spectacle. And the streamer is not just showing the game; it’s throwing in all the bells and whistles: 4K ultra-HD, AI-powered analytics, real-time stats, and even voice commands. It’s like watching the match with a team of tech wizards in your living room.
But it’s not all about the cricket. JioHotstar boasts a “world’s most extensive” TV library, Hollywood blockbusters, and a smorgasbord of Indian language content. It has even dabbled in live streaming cultural events, from Coldplay concerts to religious ceremonies, proving they’re not afraid to mix things up.
“We have always believed that world-class entertainment should be accessible to all,” said JioStar CEO Kiran Mani sounding rather pleased with himself. “This milestone not only underscores India’s limitless potential but also strengthens our commitment to pioneering category-first experiences.”
The streamer has also launched Sparks, featuring India’s popular content creators, which sounds like a right old digital knees-up.
This subscriber surge marks a significant victory for JioHotStar, proving that a potent mix of sports, entertainment, and a bit of tech wizardry can win the hearts (and wallets) of millions. And with the IPL 2025 season in full swing, one imagines the team is popping the champagne.
iWorld
Parineeti Chopra hosts new parenting series Mom Talks on Zee5 and Bullet
Celebrity parents share honest stories in 9-episode show launching 4 April 2026.
MUMBAI: Parineeti Chopra is stepping into a brand-new role not on the big screen, but as the warm, relatable host helping parents navigate the beautiful chaos of raising children. Bullet microdrama and Zee5 have announced the launch of Mom Talks, a fresh content-led IP hosted by the popular actress. The 9-episode series brings together celebrity parents including Imran Khan, Neha Dhupia, Vikrant Massey & Sheetal, and Gauahar Khan & Zaid Darbar to share candid, real-life perspectives on everyday parenting.
Positioned as a high-engagement format, Mom Talks taps into the growing demand for authentic and credible parenting content. It also offers seamless, contextual integration opportunities for brands. The series is backed by a strong lineup of partners including Johnson’s Baby, GSK, Aveeno Baby, Mini Klub, Titan Eye+ and Cordelia Cruises.
Bullet microdrama app, co-founder & chief business officer Azim Lalani said the show exemplifies how content is evolving towards more rooted, sustained engagement. “It’s about bringing content that people come back to, while creating a natural space for brands to be part of the narrative,” he noted.
Mom Talks creator Bullet head of AVOD & partnerships Munaf Merchant explained the core idea, “We wanted to build a safe, honest, one-stop destination for parents seeking real answers to everyday questions.”
The first episodes will stream for free on ee5 AVOD starting 4 April 2026, with new episodes dropping every Friday and Saturday. The series will also be available on the Bullet microdrama app.
Speaking about their association, Peeyush Unikkat from Johnson’s Baby highlighted the brand’s focus on supporting modern parenting journeys, while Aakash Mehta from GSK emphasised the show’s role in making important health conversations more relatable for new parents.
In a digital space often filled with filtered perfection, Mom Talks promises something refreshingly real honest conversations, celebrity insights, and practical wisdom, all wrapped in Parineeti Chopra’s engaging presence. For Indian parents, this could be the parenting series they’ve been waiting to binge.
