Sports India

A Kolkata-based snack food company has just signed an additional emissary for a product that until now was former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly’s domain.

Till the other day, children were crunching Pogo Potato Chips because the iconic Prince of Kolkata set the example. Now Shaktimaan will be promoting the product.

“There are many companies that are still using Sourav. I don’t think other companies have removed him. There are still ads of Sourav Ganguly. But, yes, if someone has, that company has done a wrong thing. He is still a brand ambassador. He will still be one,” said Suresh Kedia, CEO Marketing, Pogo chips.

Shaktimaan, they insist, is an add-on ambassador and not a replacement for Sourav.

But the writing is on the wall. Sourav Ganguly is not on any hoardings or in the TV spots.

Contracts not renewed

And at least one Kolkata company did not renew its contract when it lapsed a month ago. Press a little, and even the potato chip company wilts.

“He is with us still, now I can say this. How much longer? That I don’t know,” said G P Agarwal, Chairman, Pogo chips.

Shaktimaan Mukhesh Khanna however hopes for better things.

“If you talk about a joint venture for Pogo or anything, we two can. I might wear a cricket outfit and he can wear my Shaktiman outfit. It would be a very interest ad. I think I will give him some Shaktiman ki shaktiyan and take some cricketing shakti from him,” said Khanna.

Sourav will need every super power at his command to strike like a Colossus once again on the cricket field and off it.