 May 30, 2008
Whatever happened to IPL's mascots?
Before the start of the IPL, there was an evident race between Bollywood biggies to get associated with at least one of the teams. But as soon as the reality of losing started chasing each team, the brand ambassadors too started their disappearing act.
Before the start of the tournament Akshay Kumar, who became the brand ambassador for the Delhi Daredevils commented, "Delhi is my hometown and being a daredevil myself, I would have surely supported it anyways and have the full confidence in the team and captain Sehwag. He attended the first three matches (19th April v/s Rajasthan Royals, 30th April v/s Royal Challengers and 17th May v/s Kings X1 Punjab) though he was busy shooting in Bangkok. Delhi won their first four matches but this was followed a losing streak following which their lucky mascot was nowhere to be seen. When contacted, his secretary told us, "He's been busy shooting in South Africa and has a very packed schedule". But now that the Delhi Daredevils have reached the semi-finals will Akki be back to support the Daredevils?
Katrina Kaif's case too is similar. The brand ambassador for the Bangalore Royal Challengers, she was present for the first few home matches (20th April v/s Mumbai Indians, 3rd May v/s Deccan Chargers, 5th May v/s Kings X! Punjab) with the owner of the team, Dr. Vijay Mallaya despite the team losing but was nowhere to be seen once the team failed to stop the losing rut. "I am not sure whether Katrina would be attending the match or not," informed her assistant. Well, Bangalore have managed to win their last too matches so hopefully, we can spot her in the future.
Mumbai Indians' brand ambassador Hrithik Roshan has not attended any of his team's matches. Of course he has bigger reasons to celebrate than a Mumbai win. He's too busy with his baby boy and at the same time is also nursing his injured knee. And with SRK's team knocked out, Preity Zinta is now the only visible face of Bollywood left in IPL. Seems like for Bollywood it's 'Jo hit hai woh fit hai'.
Ketki Koli, Hill Road Media
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