Pankaj Tripathi Is New Hyundai Brand Ambassador But What About Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone?

Hyundai Motor India has roped in acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi as its new brand ambassador, adding yet another name to its expanding roster of star power. But this isn’t a replacement act: Tripathi joins existing ambassadors Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, suggesting Hyundai is now embracing a layered approach to celebrity endorsement. It’s no longer about one face for the entire brand. Instead, it might be about finding the right voice for different audiences and, different cars.

Everyman for the Everyday Hyundai

Tripathi’s addition marks a conscious shift. Known for his understated brilliance and grounded appeal, he’s the kind of actor who feels genuinely believable when talking about a family car, especially a hatchback or compact SUV. And it’s not just marketing speak—Tripathi revealed his first car was a Hyundai, a connection that lends authenticity to this association.

In many ways, he embodies Hyundai’s more ‘real’ values; reliability, humility, and familiarity. His presence is expected to strike a chord with middle India, where car ownership is still aspirational but rooted in practicality.

Meanwhile, Shah Rukh and Deepika Aren’t Going Anywhere

Don’t expect SRK or Deepika to vanish from Hyundai commercials anytime soon. Shah Rukh Khan, a Hyundai face for over 25 years, has been the eternal symbol of the brand’s premium aspirations.

He may not be zipping around in an entry-level Grand i10, but the upcoming Alcazar EV or the plush Ioniq 5? That fits better. Deepika, too, with her style-first image, aligns well with Hyundai’s tech-savvy, younger buyer base.

This suggests Hyundai might now be taking the multi-brand ambassador route seriously, aligning personalities with product segments. Tripathi for the practical and relatable choices, SRK for the flagship SUVs and EVs, and Deepika for the urbane, image-conscious crowd.

Selling With Storytelling

By tying itself to Tripathi’s authenticity, Hyundai is moving beyond just glossy imagery. This is an attempt to bring storytelling into brand building. It’s about connecting with customers through shared values, not just horsepower or touchscreen size.

The move also shows Hyundai’s awareness that not all buyers dream of glamour. Some are looking for a brand that feels trustworthy, approachable, and just...normal. Tripathi brings that in spades.

Sales Pressure Mounts in a Crowded Market

This repositioning comes at a crucial time. Hyundai recently crossed the 9 million sales milestone in India, a significant feat since its debut in 1996. But April 2025 also saw the brand drop to fourth place in domestic sales rankings, a rare dip.

While total monthly sales stood at 60,774 units, a 5 percent decline in the home market raised eyebrows. Tata Motors and Mahindra, riding high on their EV and SUV momentum, managed to overtake Hyundai for the first time in over a decade.

Even as exports rose 21 percent year-on-year, the domestic slowdown is a signal Hyundai can’t ignore.

Creta Stays Strong, But Others Lose Steam

Hyundai’s SUV lineup, led by the Creta, remains its crown jewel. In April, SUVs made up over 70 percent of the brand’s sales. The Exter, Venue, Alcazar, and Tucson continue to bring in strong numbers.

But the same can’t be said for its sedans and hatchbacks. Cars like the Verna and i20, once key to Hyundai’s volume play, are finding it tough to stay relevant. Segment fatigue and shifting preferences towards SUVs have left parts of Hyundai’s portfolio exposed.

The 26-Car Comeback Plan

To stay competitive, Hyundai is betting big on its future lineup. It has promised 26 new models by FY2030, a mix of 20 ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles and six electric vehicles. Hybrid powertrains will also find their way into the mix, hinting at a more balanced product offering.

The next-generation Venue and a refreshed Ioniq 5 are expected in 2025. Further down the road are the third-generation Creta, a new hybrid SUV positioned between the Alcazar and Tucson, and a facelifted Creta Electric. Hyundai hopes these launches will help it reclaim market share, especially in the premium SUV and EV categories.

A Multi-Face Brand for a Multi-Choice Market

Tripathi’s onboarding isn’t just symbolic; it’s strategic. India’s car buyers are no longer one homogeneous mass. A college-goer, a small-town professional, a luxury-seeking urbanite, and a tech-forward family man all want different things, and different faces to tell those stories.

With SRK still the king for Hyundai’s premium lineup, Deepika continuing to woo the aspirational youth, and Tripathi now representing the brand’s most grounded, relatable face, Hyundai is hedging its bets in the most Indian way possible: by trying to please everyone, one segment at a time.

It may be a juggling act, but in a market as diverse and crowded as India’s, it might just be the right one.