Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is back onscreen with the latest advertisement for an aerated drink, where he is seen enjoying a thrilling day out, surfing and showcasing his signature swag. However, this commercial has ignited a mixed reaction among fans; while some express excitement and joy at the sight of the beloved actor, others wonder why he is endorsing carbonated drinks now.
Recently, Thums Up, Coca-Cola India’s homegrown brand, launched its latest advertisement with the tagline, “Dum Hai Toh Dikha.” In this ad, Shah Rukh shares the screen with newcomer Zahan Kapoor. The clip opens with Shah Rukh challenging Zahan to take on the surfing experience in the sea, encouraging him to confront his fears directly. As the scene progresses, Shah Rukh confidently displays his surfing prowess, gliding effortlessly across the waves, his charm and charisma fully on display, captivating the audience.
Shah Rukh took to his Instagram to share the clip, writing, “Jo kehte hai abhi tera time nahin, unko galat saabit karne ka sahi time yahi hai. Toh aaja, jo duniya maane tujhe kam, usey dikhaade tera dum.” This translates to, “People who say that it is not your time, it is time to prove them wrong. So come, show your strength to the world who think you are weak.” A post shared by Thums Up further amplified the buzz surrounding his exhilarating return.
Reacting to the clip, Zahan expressed gratitude to Shah Rukh and the advertisement’s team for fulfilling his dream of sharing screen space with the superstar. Fan reactions have varied widely, with some celebrating Shah Rukh’s return as an electrifying comeback. Other fans, however, have taken to social media to express their concerns about the health implications of sugary drinks. One user commented, “Nahi bhai is me sugar bahut hai, Acha nahi ye soda health k liye,” translating to, “No, please it comes with a lot of sugar. It is not good for health.” Another user expressed frustration: “Abe asi drink ka add Kyu karte ho,” meaning, “Why do you do such ads?” This sentiment resonates with others who question why Shah Rukh would promote a product that some believe could lead to bad health choices.
Amidst the diverse opinions, some fans have praised Shah Rukh’s charm, noting comments like, “King of Swag,” while others claimed that “SRK’s ads are better than today’s movie trailers.” Overall, many have felt that the advertisement should focus more on health-conscious choices;
Shah Rukh Khan is also busy preparing for his upcoming film, “King,” which will co-star his daughter Suhana Khan. During the 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival last year, he shared insights about the highly anticipated project, mentioning, “The next film I am doing King, I have to start working on it, have to lose some weight a little, do some stretching.” Reports indicate that Siddharth Anand will direct “King” instead of Sujoy Ghosh, with filming expected to begin in March 2025 and a global release slated for 2026. The film has been written by Sujoy Ghosh in collaboration with Siddharth Anand, Suresh Nair, and Sagar Pandya.
The mixed reactions generated by Shah Rukh Khan’s Thums Up advertisement underline a broader conversation about celebrity endorsements and health implications looming over sugary drinks. As he navigates his advertising responsibilities alongside his film commitments, it remains to be seen how this debate will evolve and shape future endorsements in Bollywood.
