NAMAN MATHUR, popularly known as Mortal, has joined cricket star Smriti Mandhana, youth icon Rannvijay Singha and rapper Srushti Tawde in Royal Challenge Packaged Drinking Water’s latest campaign, Main Nahi Toh Kaun Be.
The film opens with a dynamic montage showcasing each personality in their element: Smriti Mandhana commanding the pitch, Rannvijay Singha pushing boundaries with confidence, Mortal immersed in gameplay strategy, and Srushti Tawde delivering powerful verses. Main Nahi Toh Kaun Be positions itself as a movement that encourages people to embrace boldness as a defining trait, according to the media release.
As one of India’s most prominent esports athletes and the co-founder of S8UL Esports, Mortal’s presence in the national campaign underscores the rising influence of gaming and content creation within the country’s youth culture. His journey from mobile gamer to global esports representative, capped by winning Esports Content Creator of the Year at the 2024 Esports Awards, reflects a new generation turning unconventional passions into professional careers.
This trend is also mirrored in brand investment. According to the FICCI–EY Media and Entertainment Industry Report 2025, the number of brands investing in esports is expected to increase from 68 in 2024 to 75 in 2025.
The brand has actively connected with the gaming community, from creating a ‘Cricket Gaming Zone’ in partnership with NODWIN Gaming at Mumbai Comic Con 2025 to hosting branded game nights and collaborating with leading Indian gaming creators, reinforcing its commitment to the rapidly expanding gamer ecosystem in India.
Mortal said, “Gaming has never just been about winning, it’s about the mindset. Every match is a test of strategy, patience and self-belief. You enter the battlefield knowing anything’s possible if you trust your grind. That’s why ‘Mai Nahi Toh Kaun Be’ isn’t just a line- it’s a reminder to back yourself, every single time.”
Diageo India vice president marketing – portfolio head premium and luxury Varun Koorichh shared, “Main Nahi Toh Kaun Be is the next chapter in our Choose Bold journey, and it mirrors the wave of confidence shaping India today. Being bold is no longer limited to the big screen or the big stage – it’s about backing yourself in any arena where ambition runs high. That’s why this campaign champions everything from high-pressure cricket moments to the explosive rise of e-sports – a space where young Indians are proving that skill, resilience and self-belief are the new markers of success. Whether you’re battling it out in a competitive gaming lobby, creating in the fast-moving digital landscape, or building something from the ground up – it’s that inner conviction that sets you apart. With this campaign, we’ve brought together cultural icons who embody this fearless spirit and we hope it inspires every young Indian to step up and say, ‘If not me, then who?”
