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Tag: KL Rahul

  • Exelmoto shifts gears from vanity to utility

    Exelmoto shifts gears from vanity to utility

    MUMBAI: Forget the flowery talk about clean air and conscious commuting. Exelmoto, the electric cycle venture backed by actor Suniel Shetty, cricketer KL Rahul and actor Ahan Shetty, is done playing the aspirational mobility game. It’s now chasing something far more lucrative: last-mile logistics.

    The company has signed up Delhivery, one of India’s largest delivery networks, for a phased rollout of 200 electric bikes purpose-built for hauling parcels through congested urban streets. The deal, which began as a pilot in June, validates founder Akshai Varde’s bet that sturdy frames and fat tyres built for Indian roads could handle real-world commercial pounding.

    “Delhivery validated what we built under real-world conditions,” said Varde, a designer with over two decades in motorcycles. “It showed that our design and engineering hold up even in demanding daily use.”

    The pivot marks a sharp turn for a brand that launched with lifestyle credentials in June 2025 —lightweight electric cycles that need no registration or licence, aimed at students, office workers and the elderly. But whilst the personal mobility pitch has its charms, the margins and scale lie in B2B contracts.

    “Our commercial pivot creates clear paths to profitability,” said Rahul, who joined Shetty and Ahan as co-investor earlier this year. “This isn’t just about personal mobility anymore; it’s about building last-mile infrastructure for India.”

    The company hasn’t abandoned retail entirely. Exelmoto recently launched Scoot, an electric cycle with a step-through frame and bench seat designed for women and older riders. It offers 45 kilometres of range with pedal-assist, keeping it licence-free whilst targeting comfort over speed.

    “When my generation can confidently adopt electric mobility, the revolution is truly underway,” said Shetty, who came aboard after seeing Varde’s prototype.

    With 68 outlets opening, Amazon and Flipkart listings set for November, and manufacturing capacity targeted at 50,000 bikes by 2026, Exelmoto is scaling fast. The company holds two granted patents and four pending, covering frame architecture and component packaging. Exports to southeast Asia and west Asia are in the works.

    Ahan, the youngest investor, summed up the shift: “My generation’s looking for brands that evolve with us, not just talk to us. Exelmoto began with style, and now it’s about substance and infrastructure.”

    Whether India’s clogged streets need another electric two-wheeler is debatable. Whether they need one that can turn a profit delivering packages is a far more interesting question. Varde and his celebrity backers are betting the answer is yes.

  • Sania serves up a bold shot with Boldfit as athlete, investor, and designer

    Sania serves up a bold shot with Boldfit as athlete, investor, and designer

    MUMBAI: When Sania Mirza picks up a racket, history follows. Now, the six-time Grand Slam champion is turning her legendary forehand toward the boardroom, joining Boldfit not just as an athlete, but also as an investor and co-creator of its newest range of tennis rackets and pickleball paddles.

    The Bengaluru-headquartered sports and fitness brand, founded in 2018, has built its name on high-performance apparel, footwear, and equipment. With Sania on board, Boldfit is swinging into racket sports with fresh ambition, aiming to make tennis and pickleball more accessible to India’s 1.4 billion-strong sporting population.

    “Pickleball is exploding across all age groups, while tennis has always been my first love,” Sania said. “Partnering with Boldfit lets me bring my years of experience into designing gear that’s lighter, durable, and truly built for Indian players. My hope is to inspire more people to pick up a racket and fall in love with these sports.”

    Boldfit’s “Boldfit Athlete” roster already boasts names like cricketer KL Rahul, and Sania’s addition signals its intent to become a multi-sport powerhouse. Rahul summed it up: “Her joining Boldfit goes beyond equipment, it’s about inspiring millions to embrace sport as part of life itself.”

    The tie-up also puts pickleball, the world’s fastest-growing sport firmly in Boldfit’s sights. By developing performance-driven paddles alongside Sania, the brand hopes to capitalise on the sport’s surging popularity, supported by new courts and a growing community.

    For Boldfit founder and CEO Pallav Bihani the partnership reflects the company’s broader mission. “Sania isn’t done making history, and we’re thrilled she’s starting this bold chapter with us,” he said. “This is about giving aspiring Indian players access to products designed with the insight of a legend.”

    With tennis, table tennis, pickleball, and cricket already in its portfolio, Boldfit is steadily cementing its reputation as the sporting glue of modern India. And with Sania’s backing, the brand seems set to rally an entire generation toward sport as lifestyle not just pastime.

  • Konami eFootball announces star-studded India campaign featuring KL Rahul and Sunil Chhetri

    Konami eFootball announces star-studded India campaign featuring KL Rahul and Sunil Chhetri

    MUMBAI – Konami Digital Entertainment, B.V (KONAMI) announced a new eFootball campaign for its Indian audience, running from August to October 2025 and culminating in a special Meet & Greet event in Mumbai this December. The high-energy initiative celebrates India’s Independence Day and Diwali, featuring tournaments, exclusive content drops, and rewards, alongside appearances from top Indian sports and cultural icons.

    The campaign will include two major tournaments – The Independence Day Cup and The Diwali Cup – offering fans the chance to engage with a stellar lineup including cricket star KL Rahul, football icon Sunil Chhetri, content creator Focused Indian, rising cricket talent Nitish Kumar Reddy, and actor Ahan Shetty.

    In a first-of-its-kind creative collaboration, Konami has also partnered with renowned visual artist and illustrator Santanu Hazarika for an Independence Day surprise for all the eFootball fans.

    Speaking on the development, Konami’s eFootball general producer Junichi Taya said, “India continues to be one of the most exciting gaming communities for us globally, and this campaign is our way of celebrating and voicing that energy — through festivals, football, and fandom. Our commitment to our Indian community is paramount to us. Through a host of partnerships, we are leveraging some of the biggest names in Indian sport and culture with activations aimed at celebrating “INDIA’’. As the industry continues to grow in India, we are seeking to lead the way forward through eFootball.”

  • Comscore report: Influencers now spark 36 per cent of global social media engagement — and India’s creator economy is on fire

    Comscore report: Influencers now spark 36 per cent of global social media engagement — and India’s creator economy is on fire

    MUMBAI: Move over, legacy media. In today’s scroll-happy world, social influencers are the new empire builders — and India is leading the charge. According to The Social Influencers  Report: India Edition 2025 by Comscore, content creators are now responsible for a staggering 36 per cent of all user engagement across Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok worldwide.

    And in a market where 1.4 billion people live online-first lives, the stakes — and returns — are massive. Whether it’s a viral reel from a beauty guru, a fiery political post, or a behind-the-scenes cricketer vlog, influencers are driving India’s digital heartbeat — and shaping brand strategy, platform growth, and content monetisation at scale.

    India’s top influencers? They are politicians and cricketers — with engagement numbers that rival primetime TV.  The data reveals some headline-stealing names. Prime minister Narendra Modi continues to dominate social media, generating 5.4 million monthly actions on Facebook and a further 10.8 million on X — more than many entertainment networks combined.

    Meanwhile, stars like KL Rahul, Rashmika Mandanna, and Hardik Pandya are keeping fans hooked across Instagram and YouTube. Beauty creator Parul Garg smashed viewership charts with 441.2 million views, proving that makeup and relatability are a power combo.

    Forget followers — engagement is the only currency that counts.  The report makes one thing clear: follower counts are yesterday’s news.

    “That influencer with 500K followers might be getting ghosted by their own audience,” says Comscore. “It’s engagement — likes, comments, shares — that reflects real influence.”

    The advice to brands? Dump the vanity metrics. Invest in creators who spark emotional responses, drive interactions, and know how to move the needle.

    Timing is everything: the best posting windows for Indian influencers to help you to ride the engagement wave. Know when your audience is listening. The report maps out the sweet spots across platforms:

    * Instagram: Mon–Wed mornings (10–11 am) and daily evenings (4–7 pm)
    * Facebook: Late mornings and afternoons, especially early in the week
    * X (formerly Twitter): 8–9 am daily and post-9 pm Mon–Tues
    Fridays and Saturdays? Surprisingly flat. Sunday evenings, on the other hand, are primed for attention.

    Virtual influencers are here — and they’re outperforming humans. The AI influencers are no longer gimmicks — they’re headline acts. Digital avatars like Lil Miquela, Aitana López, and Brazil’s Lu do Magalu are rewriting the rules of influence. These virtual personalities:don’t age, cancel, or misbehave; post consistently across markets and  adapt voice, tone, and look for hyper-local relevance.

    They’ve fronted campaigns with brands from Calvin Klein to LiquidIV, clocking millions of views without ever stepping into a makeup chair or selfie booth.

    Bonus: no diva demands, PR disasters, or DM leaks.

    The biggest takeaway? If you’re still treating influencer marketing like a side hustle, you’ve already lost.

    “Creators aren’t just content providers,” says the report. “They’re media buyers, storytellers, and brand equity multipliers rolled into one.”

    Brands must integrate influencer strategy across all touchpoints — from digital to social to streaming — or risk being drowned out by competitors who do.

    Final word: in the creator economy, fast movers win — the rest scroll behind. The competition is brutal. The smartest brands are already locking in creators with proven audience trust, emotional resonance, and multichannel command. And if you’re still running single-platform strategies in 2025? “You’re flying blind,” warns Comscore. “Your audience is watching TikToks, scrolling Insta, and doomscrolling X — often in the same hour. Get the full footprint or get forgotten.”

  • Bold move Arshdeep joins boldfit in pace perfect brand play

    Bold move Arshdeep joins boldfit in pace perfect brand play

    MUMBAI: He bowls fast and now, he’s making fitness moves just as bold. India’s speedster Arshdeep Singh has officially joined Boldfit as a brand athlete, bringing fresh firepower to the fitness gear company’s athlete-first vision. The collaboration isn’t just another star-studded endorsement, it’s a stride towards making Boldfit a brand truly built by athletes, for athletes.

    The 25-year-old pacer, known for his toe-crushing yorkers and chilled-out charisma, was revealed as the newest face of Boldfit in a cheeky social media campaign that mirrored a locker room chat with KL Rahul, Boldfit’s first investor and long-time brand face. The rollout, heavy on Gen Z energy and casual flex, saw Arshdeep sporting Boldfit merch and fans were instantly bowled over.

    Arshdeep Singh, speaking about the partnership said, “I have always believed in doing things with full power, on and off the field. Boldfit gets that vibe. It’s not just good looking gear, it’s made for how athletes actually train, recover and live. Really excited to build this.”

    Boldfit founder Pallav Bihani shared his vision, “We started Boldfit to create a brand rooted in real athletic journeys. KL Rahul gave us that foundation. With Arshdeep coming on board, we’re doubling down on our mission to make Boldfit an athlete-first, performance-led brand. We are excited to co-create products with Arshdeep, tailored for the Indian fitness consumer.”

    KL Rahul, cricketer and also an investor in Boldfit added, “Boldfit has always been about more than merch or gear. It’s about creating something from within the sports ecosystem. Seeing Arshdeep come on board is a proud moment the movement is only getting bolder.”

    The Chandigarh-born cricketer joins Boldfit at a time when it’s already one of India’s fastest-growing fitness brands, riding the wave of a Rs 7,000 crore plus sports and wellness industry. With athletes like Arshdeep on board, the brand is moving beyond protein shakers and joggers aiming to rewrite what Indian fitness looks like from the inside out.

    And with that, Boldfit isn’t just selling lifestyle, it’s helping script one. One pacer, one product, one power move at a time.

  • KL Rahul ticks all the bold boxes in Police’s new watch collection

    KL Rahul ticks all the bold boxes in Police’s new watch collection

    MUMBAI: Time to turn heads KL Rahul is putting his signature style on your wrist with the launch of Police’s bold new Spring-Summer 2025 watch collection. Released on the cricketer’s birthday, the collection is a sartorial salute to individuality, fearless self-expression and most importantly audacity.

    Known for its edgy, statement-making designs, Police has long stood for those who dare to be different. Its latest drop leans even harder into that ethos with timepieces that blend industrial swagger and sleek sophistication, anchored in the “Audacity Wanted” concept. And who better to front that than Rahul, a style icon who’s never played it safe on or off the field?

    From see-through dials to gold-accented minimalism, the collection doesn’t shy away from drama. Take the Skeletor (Rs 25,995), a mechanical marvel with a matte olive dial, exposed mechanics, and an olive silicone strap that screams rebellion. It’s as comfortable as it is commanding.

    Or meet Surigao (Rs 24,995), the Swiss Army knife of style. With day, date, and 24-hour sub-dials nestled into a matte black sunray dial, it’s equal parts muscle and precision set in an ion-plated gold case that means business.

    If you like your statements loud and unapologetic, Shield (Rs 28,495) might be your match. A black transparent dial with gunmetal indexes sits inside a screw-styled case, complemented by a contrasting brown leather strap that feels both rugged and refined.

    Available at Helios, World of Titan, Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop and online, the watches offer something for every wrist that doesn’t want to blend in. Whether you’re owning the boardroom or the dance floor, Police’s latest drop ensures you’re on time and on point.

  • Dream11 hits It out of the park with star-studded IPL 2025 face-off

    Dream11 hits It out of the park with star-studded IPL 2025 face-off

    MUMBAI: Get ready for a blockbuster cricket battle as Dream11, the world’s largest fantasy sports platform unveils its electrifying Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign, ‘Aapki Team Mein Kaun?’. This high-energy campaign sees movie superstars Aamir Khan and Ranbir Kapoor go head-to-head, picking their dream teams of India’s biggest cricketers for an unforgettable face-off.

    Aamir11 and Ranbir11 aren’t just fantasy teams—they’re a clash of legends. The campaign ropes in cricketing stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and R. Ashwin, turning up the heat with a mix of banter, rivalry, and sporting brilliance. And just when you think it’s all about cricket, Arbaaz Khan and Jackie Shroff make surprise appearances, adding their signature charm and humour to the mix.

    “At Dream11, we’re turning fans from mere spectators into active participants,” said Dream Sports chief marketing officer Vikrant Mudaliar. “This campaign taps into the passion of cricket while bridging the worlds of sports and entertainment. ‘Aapki Team Mein Kaun?’ challenges fans to pick their own winning fantasy teams, making every IPL moment more thrilling.”

    The campaign kicks off with an action-packed film, directed by the acclaimed Nitesh Tiwari and produced by EarthSky Pictures, with creative backing from Tilt Brand Solutions and ZeroFifty. The excitement continues with eight ad films airing throughout the IPL season across Star Sports, JioHotstar, and digital platforms.

    Since 2019, Dream11 has been a key player in the IPL ecosystem and is now the Principal Sponsor for five IPL teams Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and the latest addition, Lucknow Super Giants. The platform is also an Official Partner for four more IPL teams, further solidifying its dominance in fantasy sports. As cricket’s biggest festival kicks off, Dream11 is ensuring the game isn’t just watched, it’s played, debated, and lived. So, the only question that remains is: Aapki Team Mein Kaun? 

  • KL Rahul invests in Boldfit

    KL Rahul invests in Boldfit

    Mumbai: Indian cricket sensation KL Rahul has partnered with Boldfit, a D2C fitness brand. This collaboration goes beyond standard celebrity endorsements, making Rahul both an investor and a brand ambassador for their sports footwear, apparel, and fitness equipment.

    Boldfit, founded by Pallav Bihani, has quickly become a prominent name in the Indian fitness scene with its wide range of high-quality activewear, accessories, and fitness equipment. The brand’s focus on innovation and quality has earned it a loyal customer base, serving over one crore customers annually.

    KL Rahul, known for his cricketing excellence and dedication to fitness, is a great match for Boldfit’s goals of performance and innovation. His decision to invest in Boldfit shows his belief in the brand’s vision and its potential to inspire fitness enthusiasts across the country.

    “Being a part of Boldfit feels like coming home. As a Bengaluru boy, I’m proud to join forces with a brand that shares my love for fitness and my hometown. I look forward to contributing to Boldfit’s journey and inspiring others to lead healthier lives,” said Rahul.

    Bihani is equally excited about the partnership. “Having KL Rahul on board is a huge moment for us. His dedication and drive perfectly match our brand’s values. Together, we aim to start a fitness revolution across the nation.”

    While the brand aims to cross Rs 500 crores in FY26, this collaboration is a strategic move for Boldfit, leveraging Rahul’s wide fanbase and influence to strengthen its market position. With a solid foundation and ambitious goals, Boldfit aims to reach new heights, tapping into India’s growing interest in fitness. The partnership is expected to drive significant growth, with plans to expand product lines and enhance customer engagement through innovative campaigns and community-building efforts.

    Boldfit’s partnerships with IPL teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Mumbai Indians (MI) demonstrate its strong presence in the sports and fitness sector. With Rahul, Boldfit seeks to set new industry standards and promote a healthier, fitter India.

  • VI John partners with Lucknow Super Giants as grooming partner

    VI John partners with Lucknow Super Giants as grooming partner

    Mumbai:  The personal care brand Vi John on Wednesday announced that they shall be the official grooming partner of the Lucknow Super Giants Team in the upcoming T20 season 2024.

    The team, which is captained by KL Rahul, shall be sporting the VI John Logo on their non-lead trousers in the upcoming T20 tournament which is viewed by millions of sports lovers across India as well as internationally.  

    “It’s indeed a pleasure to partner with Lucknow Super Giants as the official grooming partner. The team represents quality and performance in equal measure like our personal care range and has an impressive track record. The tournament allows us to take our product range to a younger and wider audience and showcase our proposition. We are excited to support Lucknow Super Giants as it plans for another successful outing and make the most of our synergy” said Vi John general manager of marketing Ashutosh Chaudharie.

    Lucknow Super Giants CEO- Vinod Bisht stated “We are proud to partner with Vi John in the upcoming season. The brand represents confidence in a bold new generation – something that resonates well with the brand of cricket we wish to play.”

    “Vi John as a company has a vision of grooming India and a legacy of doing the same across six decades. With Lucknow Super Giants we have found a natural partner who has pan-India appeal and immense potential. We look forward to a robust season ahead and wish the best to the team” said VI John group business director Harshit Kochhar.

  • Cadbury Dairy Milk honours off-screen heroes with #ThankYouFirstCoach

    Cadbury Dairy Milk honours off-screen heroes with #ThankYouFirstCoach

    Mumbai: Cadbury Dairy Milk pays homage to the unsung heroes behind the success of our beloved cricket stars with its #ThankYouFirstCoach campaign. Through a 2-part series of heart-touching films, the campaign shines a spotlight on the mentors aka our beloved cricketer’s first coaches who were the first ones to recognize and nurture their talent from grassroots to grandeur.

    Echoing the brand’s purpose of generosity, Cadbury Dairy Milk’s #ThankYouFirstCoach campaign features the coaches of celebrated cricketers Surya Kumar of Mumbai Indians (MI) and KL Rahul of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), depicting their heartfelt tributes to their first coaches, who played pivotal roles in shaping their careers. From the vibrant streets to the electrifying stadiums, these films capture the profound gratitude and emotion exchanged between players and mentors. The campaign also encourages fans to participate by expressing gratitude to their own first coaches, highlighting the transformative power of appreciation in nurturing talent and fostering aspirations.

    Over the years, Cadbury Dairy Milk has built on its core guiding principle of evoking generosity by regularly shining a spotlight on often unnoticed or unacknowledged people in society. As #ThankYouFirstCoach sweeps across the nation, Cadbury Dairy Milk invites everyone to share in the sweetness of gratitude and recognize the profound impact of first coaches in shaping the future of cricket.

    Commenting on the campaign, Mondelez India VP of Marketing Nitin Saini said, “Over the past few years, the marriage between cricket and generosity at the back of impactful story-doing has driven strong consumption growth and saliency for our brand. And the aim is to only accelerate this journey in 2024 with Cadbury Dairy Milk’s #ThankYouFirstCoach campaign epitomizing the brand’s purpose of ‘generosity’. Through this emotional odyssey, we not only celebrate the transformative power of gratitude but also champion the profound impact of these guiding lights in shaping dreams and fostering talent- the first risk-takers, the first believers, the first mentors. As we honour the silent architects behind cricket’s success stories, we invite everyone to join us in this heartfelt tribute, embracing the sweetness of appreciation and the joy of acknowledging those who paved the way for greatness.”

    Ogilvy India chief creative officer Sukesh Nayak added “Cadbury Dairy Milk has been using the biggest cricketing event in the country, IPL, to shine the spotlight on those important aspects of the game that don’t get the due recognition. This year it’s the first coaches of the stars of cricket. Our starting point was a simple question, when fans cheer for the players every time they play their famous shots, do they really know who would have helped them develop that shot before they become popular? We simply wanted to acknowledge these GURUs of the game and nudge the country to thank them for their contribution towards the game, moreover towards turning our favourite players into stars.”

    Wavemaker India chief client officer & office head, West, North & East Shekhar Banerjee mentioned “Cadbury Dairy Milk’s latest campaign stands as a testament to the often overlooked heroes behind our cricketing legends—their first coaches. Through this campaign across multiple touchpoints and unique partnerships, we are dedicated to bringing in the limelight to these unsung heroes who shaped our cricket stars. Watch out as we unveil this heartfelt tribute to the first coaches during this highly anticipated IPL season.”

    As part of the campaign, special jerseys are being designed for these mentors, honoured with the names of their star pupils from Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants.  In addition to this, Cadbury Dairy Milk has introduced special packs that allow fans to join the #ThankYouFirstCoach movement, serving as a tangible symbol of gratitude for their own mentors. Furthermore, as a gesture of appreciation, the brand is extending an exclusive invitation to the first coaches of every IPL player to join them in the family box during matches. Here, cricketers will have the opportunity to publicly acknowledge and thank their coaches, symbolically bowing to them in recognition of their invaluable contribution to their journey. This unique experience not only celebrates the unsung heroes of cricket but also fosters a sense of connection and gratitude within the sporting community.