Uday Shankar (businessman)

Uday Shankar is an Indian media executive. He is primarily known for his roles in leading Star India (now Disney Star) and serving as President of Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific.

Shankar began his career as a journalist, reporting on political and economic issues. He later transitioned to television news, holding key positions at TV Today Group, including head of news operations.

In 2007, Shankar joined Star India as CEO. Under his leadership, Star India experienced significant growth and expansion, launching numerous new channels across various languages and genres. He oversaw the acquisition and development of sports properties, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), making Star India a major player in the Indian sports broadcasting landscape. He also championed the launch of Hotstar (now Disney+ Hotstar), a leading streaming platform in India.

Following the acquisition of Star India by The Walt Disney Company, Shankar was appointed President of Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific in 2019, assuming responsibility for Disney's operations in the region. He stepped down from this role in December 2020.

Shankar co-founded Bodhi Tree Systems, a media and investment platform, with James Murdoch. He is considered a prominent figure in the Indian media industry, recognized for his contributions to the growth of television broadcasting and digital entertainment.