Pankaj Tripathi and Raj Shamani bring humour and swag to Flipkart’s new Diwali campaign

Pankaj Tripathi transforms into “Dripathi” alongside Raj Shamani in Flipkart’s new Diwali ad, a playful mix of humour, upgrades, and Gen Z energy that redefines festive cool.

Pankaj Tripathi steps into a new era of cool

Flipkart’s latest Diwali campaign has taken the internet by surprise, showcasing actor Pankaj Tripathi in a never-seen-before avatar. Known for his calm and grounded demeanor, Tripathi steps into the spotlight with a quirky twist becoming “Dripathi,” a confident, witty, and stylish version of himself. Joining him is creator and entrepreneur Raj Shamani, and together the two bring a refreshing energy to Flipkart’s Big Bang Diwali Sale campaign.

The ad takes the form of a lighthearted podcast-style conversation between the duo. Tripathi opens with a playful “Yo, broski,” immediately setting the tone for what unfolds as a humorous, self-aware exchange filled with generational banter.

Shamani’s reaction captures the audience’s sentiment perfectly as he exclaims, “Sir, I never thought I’d use Pankaj Tripathi and hot in the same sentence!” Without missing a beat, Tripathi responds, “Tripathi out. Dripathi in.” The punchline not only sparks laughter but instantly establishes the campaign’s fun, Gen Z-coded vibe.

The making of “Dripathi”

Before the campaign launched, Pankaj Tripathi’s striking Instagram post already had fans talking. Dressed in a velvet green jacket, red brocade pants, and golden loafers, his look became an instant conversation starter. That “teaser” turned out to be part of the campaign’s smart rollout, a playful setup for the reveal of his transformation in the ad.

As the conversation progresses, Shamani teases Tripathi about having a “mid life crisis,” to which the actor responds with perfect comedic timing, “Not mid life crisis, mid life crispy and salty.” The quick-witted lines continue to flow, each one turning into a potential meme moment.

The interaction cleverly builds toward the campaign’s central message upgrading your lifestyle. When Tripathi attributes his new look and confidence to an upgraded phone purchased from Flipkart’s Big Bang Diwali Sale, the product integration feels organic, tying the story back to the brand’s festive offering.

The creative idea behind the campaign

Flipkart’s choice to pair Tripathi with Raj Shamani is a masterstroke. It bridges two distinct audiences: mainstream movie lovers who connect with Tripathi’s authenticity and young digital natives who look up to Shamani’s entrepreneurial spirit.

The “oddcast” format, a hybrid between an interview and an internet skit gives the ad a modern, low effort feel that resonates with online viewers. The dialogue-driven humor and relatable one-liners make it ideal for short-form content and meme culture. Phrases like “Dripathi in” and “mid life crispy” are already on their way to becoming part of social media chatter.

A refreshing festive strategy

This campaign stands out for its fresh, witty storytelling and seamless blend of product integration with cultural humor. By reimagining Pankaj Tripathi as a Gen Z icon and pairing him with one of India’s most influential creators, Flipkart has created a festive ad that feels both contemporary and culturally sharp.

Pankaj Tripathi’s “Dripathi” moment is more than a meme; it's a marketing masterstroke that fuses entertainment, technology, and festive spirit into one memorable campaign.

Follow Marketing Moves on Instagram and Facebook for more updates on brand campaigns, celebrity collaborations, and creative marketing ideas making waves this festive season.