Mortal joins national icons in Royal Challenge's new campaign

In a landmark moment for Indian esports, Naman Mathur, popularly known as Mortal has joined cricketing star Smriti Mandhana, youth icon Rannvijay Singha, and rapper Srushti Tawde for Royal Challenge Packaged Drinking Water’s new campaign ‘Main Nahi Toh Kaun Be’, a powerful celebration of self-belief and authenticity.

It reflects a shift from living by inherited norms to defining success on one’s own terms, from “what will people think” to “what do I think.” Brought to life through Srushti Tawade’s spirited anthem of the same name, the campaign is a tribute to those who’ve chosen bold at every turn and earned the right to say, Main Nahi Toh Kaun Be.

Mortal Spotlights Indian Esports’ Mainstream Rise

As one of the country’s most respected esports athletes and co-founder of S8UL Esports, Mortal’s inclusion in this national campaign highlights the growing influence of gaming and content creation within India’s youth culture. His journey from starting out as a mobile gamer to representing India on the global stage in esports and winning the Esports Content Creator of the Year 2024 award at the global Esports Awards symbolizes a new generation of achievers who have turned unconventional passions into professional careers.

“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,” said Naman Mathur aka Mortal.

Representing diverse passions that define young India, from sports and entertainment to music and gaming, the campaign speaks to a generation unafraid to dream big and carve its own path.

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The film opens with an energetic montage capturing each icon in their own world: Smriti on the pitch, commanding every shot; Rannvijay pushing boundaries with confidence; Mortal deep in gameplay strategy; and Srushti delivering fiery verses that echo her individuality. Their journeys unfold through moments of hustle, passion and triumph, all connected by one powerful idea, belief in oneself. ‘Main Nahi Toh Kaun Be’ goes beyond being a campaign. It is a movement that encourages everyone to make boldness a defining part of who they are.

Speaking on the launch, Varun Koorichh, Vice President Marketing – Portfolio Head Premium and Luxury, Diageo India, 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?”

According to the FICCI EY Media and Entertainment Industry Report 2025, the number of brands investing in esports is set to rise from 68 in 2024 to 75 in 2025. Royal Challenge Packaged Drinking Water’s association with India’s gaming and esports industry reflects this growing trend. The brand has been consistently engaging with the gaming community, from creating a “Cricket Gaming Zone” with NODWIN Gaming at Mumbai Comic Con 2025 to hosting branded game nights and collaborating with leading Indian gaming creators, showcasing its commitment to the country’s thriving gamer ecosystem.

With this campaign, Royal Challenge Packaged Drinking Water champions a generation that steps up, takes risks, and embraces boldness in every moment. It stands as a celebration of confidence, courage, and conviction — a reminder to make things happen, because if not you, then who?

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