List of Coca-Cola Celebrity Endorsements Till Date - 2025

Coca-Cola's success in India is closely linked to celebrity endorsements, from Aamir Khan to Shah Rukh Khan. These collaborations have created emotional connections with consumers, enhanced brand visibility, and contributed to its market share. The brand's journey reflects strategic marketing and cultural integration.

Coca-Cola has always been more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of refreshment, happiness, and connection. In India, Coca-Cola’s success story is closely tied to its celebrity endorsements, which have been a cornerstone of its marketing strategy for decades. By teaming up with some of the country’s most beloved stars, the brand has managed to build a deep emotional connection with audiences across generations.

From Bollywood superstars to regional icons and sporting legends, Coca-Cola’s campaigns have always been as diverse as India itself. Whether it’s Aamir Khan’s unforgettable roles in the “Thanda Matlab Coca-Cola” ads, Shah Rukh Khan’s effortless charm, or Alia Bhatt’s vibrant energy, each celebrity has brought their unique touch to the brand, making the ads relatable and memorable.

As we look back at the celebrities who have endorsed Coca-Cola over the years, it’s clear that these partnerships have played a pivotal role in keeping the brand relevant and exciting. This article takes you through the timeline of Coca-Cola’s star-studded endorsements, showcasing how these collaborations have shaped its journey in India and made it one of the most loved brands in the country.

History Of Coca-Cola Market In India

Coca-Cola's journey in India has been marked by significant milestones and challenges. The company first entered the Indian market in 1956, introducing its iconic beverage to a new audience. In 1977, Coca-Cola withdrew from India due to regulatory changes that required foreign companies to disclose proprietary information and reduce their equity holdings. This exit created a void in the Indian soft drink market, which was quickly filled by local brands like Thums Up. 

In the early 1990s, India liberalised its economy, opening doors for foreign investments. Coca-Cola seized this opportunity and re-entered the Indian market in 1993. To strengthen its position, Coca-Cola acquired local brands, including Thums Up, Limca, and Gold Spot, which had become household names during its absence. Since its return, Coca-Cola has invested heavily in marketing, distribution, and localisation strategies to cater to diverse Indian consumer preferences. The company has also focused on sustainability initiatives and community development programs in India.

Celebrity Endorsements Of Coca-Cola In India

1. Aamir Khan - Thanda Matlab Coca-Cola

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Aamir Khan's collaboration with Coca-Cola in the early 2000s, particularly through the "Thanda Matlab Coca-Cola" campaign, stands as a landmark in Indian advertising. This campaign, crafted by Prasoon Joshi, ingeniously positioned Coca-Cola as synonymous with the Hindi term "Thanda," meaning "cold," thereby embedding the brand into the cultural fabric of India. 

In these advertisements, Aamir Khan portrayed various regional characters, each resonating with diverse Indian audiences. From a Mumbai street tough (tapori) to a Hyderabadi shopkeeper and a Punjabi farmer, his versatile performances enhanced the campaign's appeal and relatability. The campaign's success was evident as it not only boosted Coca-Cola's market presence but also made the tagline "Thanda Matlab Coca-Cola" a popular catchphrase across the nation. This strategic branding effort effectively associated the brand with everyday language, reinforcing its position in the Indian beverage market. 

2. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

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Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, one of India's most celebrated actresses, has been a prominent face in various advertising campaigns, including those for Coca-Cola. In the early 2000s, she was featured in several memorable Coca-Cola commercials that resonated with audiences nationwide.

One notable advertisement from 2003 showcased Aishwarya alongside actor Vivek Oberoi. The commercial depicted a charming narrative that highlighted the refreshing appeal of Coca-Cola, with both actors delivering engaging performances that captivated viewers. Another significant campaign featured Aishwarya with actor Rajpal Yadav. This advertisement combined humour and the brand's message, further solidifying Coca-Cola's presence in the Indian market. These campaigns not only enhanced Coca-Cola's brand image in India but also showcased Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's versatility and widespread appeal as a brand ambassador.

3. Shah Rukh Khan - Thums Up

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Shah Rukh Khan, one of Bollywood's most iconic actors, has had a notable association with Coca-Cola's Thums Up brand in India. In February 2022, Coca-Cola appointed him as the brand ambassador for Thums Up, marking a significant collaboration between the beverage giant and the film superstar. 

In this role, Khan featured in several high-energy campaigns that emphasized Thums Up's bold and adventurous spirit. One such campaign showcased him performing daring stunts atop a moving train, embodying the brand's tagline, "Toofani" (meaning stormy or powerful). 

In 2023, Thums Up launched the "Toofan Glass Mein Nahin, Glass Se Peete Hain" campaign, encouraging consumers to enjoy the beverage directly from returnable glass bottles. This campaign featured both Shah Rukh Khan and actor Vijay Deverakonda, highlighting the brand's commitment to sustainability and authentic consumption experiences. 

Further strengthening his association with Thums Up, Khan played a pivotal role in the brand's campaigns during major sporting events. For instance, during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, he appeared in advertisements that captured the nation's cricket fervour, portraying the unwavering belief of Indian fans in their team's success. 

4. Ranbir Kapoor - #SayItWithCoke

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Ranbir Kapoor has been a prominent face in Coca-Cola India's advertising campaigns, bringing his youthful energy and charm to the brand's messaging. In 2019, he starred alongside Paresh Rawal in the '#SayItWithCoke' campaign, an extension of the '#ShareACoke' initiative. The campaign featured personalized Coke bottles as a medium to convey messages, enhancing consumer engagement. 

In 2020, Kapoor was featured in the 'Turn Up Your Day' campaign, which aimed to infuse excitement into daily routines. In one advertisement, he played a dance instructor whose break time captivates a group of onlooking girls, highlighting how Coca-Cola can enliven mundane moments. These campaigns leveraged Kapoor's popularity to strengthen Coca-Cola's connection with younger audiences in India, emphasizing themes of sharing, personalization, and adding excitement to everyday life.

5. Deepika Padukone

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Deepika Padukone has been a prominent face in Coca-Cola's advertising campaigns in India, bringing her charm and relatability to the brand's messaging. One notable campaign is the "Elevator" ad, where she shares a Coca-Cola with a stranger, highlighting how the beverage can break the ice and foster connections.  This ad resonated with many, garnering significant attention online. 

 Additionally, Deepika collaborated with Farhan Akhtar in a campaign that emphasized sharing happiness, aligning with Coca-Cola's global "Open Happiness" theme.  These campaigns have been instrumental in reinforcing Coca-Cola's image as a catalyst for joy and togetherness in everyday moments.

6. Tiger Shroff - Coca-Cola Zero Sugar 

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Tiger Shroff, a prominent Bollywood actor and fitness icon, has been associated with Coca-Cola, particularly promoting Coca-Cola Zero Sugar in India. In February 2023, he was featured in the "Best Taste Ever?" campaign, highlighting the beverage's appeal as a sugar-free option without compromising on taste. 

In this campaign, Shroff's portrayal emphasized the irresistible taste of Coke Zero, aligning with his dynamic persona and broad appeal among youth and millennials. The campaign was disseminated across various platforms, including television, digital, outdoor, social media, and retail, aiming to spark conversations around the product's taste and establish a strong resonance with the younger demographic in India. 

Continuing his collaboration with Coca-Cola, Shroff appeared in subsequent advertisements positioning Coke Zero as an ideal accompaniment to meals. For instance, in an April 2024 campaign, he is depicted enjoying a meal aboard an aircraft, complemented by a chilled Coke Zero, reinforcing the brand's message of integrating the beverage into everyday dining experiences. 

Shroff's association with Coca-Cola underscores the brand's strategy to leverage popular celebrities to enhance product visibility and appeal, particularly among health-conscious consumers seeking low-calorie beverage options without sacrificing flavour.

7. Diljit Dosanjh - Coke Tables

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Diljit Dosanjh, a prominent Punjabi singer and actor, has been a significant brand ambassador for Coca-Cola India, particularly in the Punjab region. In early 2022, he launched the "Coke Tables" campaign, aiming to enhance the brand's presence in the area. In December 2024, during his "Dil-Luminati Tour," Coca-Cola collaborated with Dosanjh to bring the #RealMagic experience to his fans, further strengthening their partnership. 

Additionally, Dosanjh showcased his creativity during a Hyderabad performance by cleverly incorporating Coca-Cola into his lyrics, adhering to local guidelines against promoting alcohol. These collaborations highlight Dosanjh's influence and Coca-Cola's strategic marketing efforts in India.

8. Kartik Aaryan - Fanta Apple Delite

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Kartik Aaryan, a rising star in Bollywood, joined forces with Coca-Cola India in 2022 to promote Fanta's new Apple Delite flavour. In a vibrant campaign, Aaryan encouraged consumers to embrace the playful spirit of Fanta, highlighting the brand's commitment to infusing fun into everyday moments. 

The collaboration featured a lively commercial where Aaryan savoured the refreshing taste of Fanta Apple Delite, underscoring the beverage's appeal to the youth demographic. This partnership not only introduced a new flavour to the market but also reinforced Fanta's image as a brand that celebrates joy and spontaneity. 

Aaryan's association with Fanta resonated with consumers, particularly the younger audience, aligning with the brand's strategy to connect with a vibrant and energetic consumer base. His dynamic presence and popularity in the entertainment industry made him an ideal ambassador to convey Fanta's message of fun and refreshment. Through this collaboration, Coca-Cola India effectively leveraged Aaryan's influence to boost Fanta's visibility and appeal, reinforcing the brand's position in the competitive beverage market.

9. Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly, affectionately known as 'Dada,' has been a prominent figure in Indian cricket and a cherished brand ambassador for Coca-Cola India. Their partnership began in 1997, marking the start of a long-standing association that has spanned decades. Over the years, Ganguly's charismatic presence and leadership qualities have made him an ideal representative for the brand, resonating with fans and consumers alike.

In 2015, Coca-Cola India extended its partnership with Ganguly for an additional three years, underscoring the mutual respect and success of their collaboration.  This extension allowed the brand to continue leveraging Ganguly's influence to connect with a diverse audience across the country.

In 2021, the partnership was renewed for another three years, highlighting the enduring appeal of Ganguly as a brand ambassador.  Throughout this period, Ganguly has been featured in various campaigns, including the 'Kolkata Is Cooking' initiative, where he engaged with fans through mobile-first videos, celebrating the festive spirit of Durga Puja in West Bengal. Ganguly's association with Coca-Cola India has not only enhanced the brand's image but also solidified his status as a beloved icon in Indian sports and culture.

10. Salman Khan - Campa Cola

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Salman Khan's association with Campa Cola dates back to the early 1980s, marking his debut in the advertising world. At just 15 years old, he appeared in a memorable commercial for the brand, which featured him alongside models like Ayesha Shroff and Sanjana Kapoor. 

This advertisement showcased a youthful and energetic Salman Khan, setting the stage for his future stardom in Bollywood. The commercial's success not only introduced him to a wider audience but also solidified Campa-Cola's presence in the Indian market during that era.

Fast forward to 2023, and Salman Khan's connection with Campa Cola has come full circle. The brand, which had faded from the market, made a comeback, and Salman Khan was chosen to be the face of its revival campaign. This strategic move leveraged his enduring popularity and nostalgic appeal to reintroduce Campa Cola to a new generation of consumers. Through these campaigns, Salman Khan has played a pivotal role in shaping Campa Cola's brand image, bridging the gap between its classic legacy and contemporary market trends.

11. Mahesh Babu - Thums Up Thunder Challenge

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Mahesh Babu, a celebrated actor in the Telugu film industry, has been a prominent face in Coca-Cola's marketing campaigns in India. In February 2012, he became the brand ambassador for Thums Up, a Coca-Cola product known for its strong and bold flavour. During his association with Thums Up, Mahesh Babu was featured in several high-energy advertisements that resonated with the brand's image of strength and adventure. One notable campaign was the "Thums Up Thunder Challenge," where he interacted with winners from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, emphasizing the brand's philosophy of pushing beyond ordinary limits. 

In 2021, Mahesh Babu ended his long-term association with Thums Up, and actor Vijay Deverakonda took over as the brand ambassador. Mahesh Babu's collaboration with Thums Up significantly contributed to the brand's popularity in South India, leveraging his massive fan following to enhance brand visibility and connect with a broader audience.

Impact and Results Of Celebrity Endorsements For Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola's strategic use of celebrity endorsements in India has significantly influenced its brand image and consumer engagement. By collaborating with prominent figures from various fields, the brand has effectively connected with diverse audiences across the nation.

Increased Brand Visibility and Market Share

Partnering with celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Salman Khan has enhanced Coca-Cola's visibility in the Indian market. These associations have attracted attention to the brand, leading to increased consumer interest and, consequently, a larger market share. For instance, Shah Rukh Khan's association with Thums Up, a Coca-Cola brand, has been instrumental in reinforcing the brand's image as a bold and adventurous choice.

Emotional Connections Through Endorsements

Celebrity endorsements have also played a crucial role in forging emotional connections with consumers. By aligning with celebrities who resonate with the target audience, Coca-Cola has been able to evoke positive emotions and build brand loyalty. This strategy has been particularly effective in the Indian context, where celebrities often serve as role models and their endorsements can significantly influence consumer behavior. 

In summary, Coca-Cola's strategic use of celebrity endorsements in India has not only enhanced brand visibility and market share but also established strong emotional bonds with consumers, contributing to the brand's enduring success in the region.