Mumbai: Pokémon GO, the augmented reality mobile game by Niantic, is excited to announce Bollywood’s beloved couple, Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh, as its brand ambassadors for India. Known for their charm and connection to Indian culture, the couple will bring their unique energy to Pokémon GO’s expanding fan base in the country.
Genelia Deshmukh, an avid Pokémon GO player, made a special appearance at the ‘Pokémon Festivities’ celebrations in Mumbai, where Pikachu donned a saree for the first time, highlighting the game’s cultural collaboration. Known for her family-centric values, Genelia expressed her excitement about the partnership: “As a mom and a proud Indian, the ‘Festival of Light’ event is a beautiful blend of tradition and technology. It’s incredible to see Pokémon GO celebrate Indian culture in such a fun and engaging way, with characters like Pikachu wearing a saree! Pokémon has always been special to me, and Pikachu is also both my kid’s favourite Pokémon. Seeing it in a saree is a wonderful experience.”
Riteish Deshmukh echoed her enthusiasm, stating, “As someone who loves technology and gaming, being part of the Pokémon GO family feels like a natural fit. Playing this game since it came to India in 2016 and now promoting it truly thrills me as it not only encourages fun but also keeps our cultural heritage alive in such an interactive way.”
Yuki Kawamura, Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships and Special Projects at Niantic, expressed his excitement for the partnership, saying, “We’re incredibly excited to welcome Riteish and Genelia D’Souza Deshmukh to the Pokémon GO family. Their deep connection with Indian culture and passion for gaming makes them the perfect ambassadors. We’re always striving to create experiences that resonate with our diverse player base, and with this unique celebration, we’re bringing a special piece of Indian heritage to our global platform.”
Fans can look forward to special videos featuring Riteish and Genelia sharing their experiences with Pokémon GO. The game is also hosting exciting Festival of Lights celebrations, including a special event in Bengaluru on November 3, 2024, at Phoenix Marketcity, where Pikachu will appear in a saree, alongside surprises and giveaways for Trainers.
Additionally, a sweepstake on Instagram will offer two lucky winners from India a chance to attend the Pokémon GO City Safari in São Paulo.
This partnership underscores the couple’s appeal and highlights Pokémon GO’s commitment to cultural localization in India, making gaming experiences more meaningful for its diverse player base. In September 2023, Niantic added Hindi language support to the game, further promoting inclusivity and encouraging engagement among players.
