Pokémon GO, the global sensation in augmented reality gaming by Niantic, is proud to introduce Bollywood’s beloved duo, Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh, as its new brand ambassadors for India. This power couple, known for their charm, warmth, and strong connection to Indian culture, is all set to inject their vibrant energy into Pokémon GO’s growing fanbase across the country.
Pokémon GO Welcomes Bollywood Favorites Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh as Brand Faces in India
Genelia Deshmukh’s Special Connection to Pokémon GO
An avid Pokémon GO player herself, Genelia made a grand appearance at the ‘Pokémon Festivities’ event in Mumbai. The highlight? A first-ever appearance of Pikachu dressed in a saree, showcasing a cultural collaboration that perfectly aligns with Genelia’s values of blending tradition with modernity. Her love for the game and her role as a mother has deepened her connection with Pokémon GO.
“As a mom and a proud Indian, the ‘Festival of Light’ event is a beautiful blend of tradition and technology. Seeing Pikachu in a saree is not just delightful for me but also for my kids, who adore the Pokémon. Being part of something that bridges Indian culture and modern gaming in such an exciting way is truly special,” shared Genelia.
Riteish Deshmukh Embraces Pokémon GO
Riteish Deshmukh, a technology and gaming enthusiast, is equally thrilled about this partnership. Having been a fan of Pokémon GO since its launch in India in 2016, he feels honored to now be an ambassador for the brand.
“Pokémon GO has been a part of my life for years, and now, partnering with them is a dream come true. I love how the game not only offers fun but also keeps cultural heritage alive through its interactive platform,” said Riteish.
Niantic’s Vision for Cultural Collaboration
Yuki Kawamura, Senior Director at Niantic, expressed excitement for this partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh to the Pokémon GO family. Their deep-rooted connection to Indian culture and passion for gaming makes them the perfect ambassadors. This collaboration highlights our commitment to bringing culturally relevant experiences to our diverse player base.”
Upcoming Festival of Lights Celebrations
As part of their ambassadorship, Riteish and Genelia will feature in special videos sharing their Pokémon GO journey. Pokémon GO will also host exciting Festival of Lights celebrations, including a grand event in Bengaluru on November 3, 2024, at Phoenix Marketcity, where Pikachu, dressed in a saree, will make a special appearance, alongside exciting giveaways and surprises for Trainers.
To add to the excitement, Pokémon GO is offering fans the chance to win a trip to São Paulo’s City Safari through a sweepstake on Instagram.
With this collaboration, Pokémon GO not only showcases its cultural localization in India but also strengthens its commitment to inclusivity. By adding Hindi language support in 2023, Niantic continues to promote engagement and accessibility for players across India.
