Why OnePlus Chose Celebrities to Grow Their Brand in India?

This article explains why OnePlus turned to celebrity endorsements to grow its brand in India. Discover how celebrities helped boost visibility, build trust, shape premium perception, and support OnePlus’s transition from a niche tech brand to a mainstream smartphone leader.

OnePlus entered India in 2014 with a clear goal. Build phones for people who care about speed, design, and performance. At first, the brand grew through online buzz and loyal tech fans. But as the audience expanded, OnePlus knew it had to speak to more people, not just early adopters.   

India’s smartphone market is loud and crowded. Every brand claims better cameras and faster chips. Standing out became harder with each new launch. So OnePlus shifted focus from just specs to visibility. And familiar faces helped cut through the noise.    

Celebrity marketing gave OnePlus a stronger voice. It helped the brand feel confident, modern, and more approachable. Not flashy. Just relevant. Celebrities added emotion and recognition where product features alone couldn’t.  

In this article, you’ll see how celebrities played a role in OnePlus’s growth story. Why certain ambassadors were chosen. And how those choices helped the brand stay fresh and desirable in India’s fast-moving smartphone market.   

Why Celebrity Endorsements Work in India?

Celebrity endorsements have been part of Indian advertising for decades. But their impact goes beyond visibility. In a market where choices are plentiful and attention is limited, familiar faces help brands connect faster and more meaningfully.  

Here’s why this approach continues to work, especially in categories like technology.  

1. Celebrities Shape Cultural Conversations

In India, celebrities are part of everyday life. People follow what they wear, use, and talk about. When a star appears in a tech ad, the product enters cultural conversation. It feels current. And more visible. This cultural presence matters, especially when buyers are confused by similar features across brands.

2. Trust Transfers From the Star to the Brand

People may question ads. But they trust people they know. When a celebrity supports a product, some of that trust carries over. It doesn’t mean blind belief. But it lowers hesitation. For first-time buyers, this reassurance can be the final push to try a brand they were unsure about.

3. Helps Brands Speak to Youth and Urban Buyers

Younger audiences respond to faces they admire. Celebrities help brands sound relevant without trying too hard. Urban buyers, in particular, connect with personalities who reflect their lifestyle. A familiar face makes the message feel less like a pitch and more like a suggestion.  

4. Reaches Aspirational and Growing Markets

For many buyers, especially in smaller cities, celebrities represent progress and success. When a star uses a product, it signals aspiration. Not luxury. Just upward movement. This connection is powerful in tech, where a phone or gadget is often seen as a personal upgrade.  

5. Makes Complex Products Easier to Understand

Technology can feel overwhelming. Specs, versions, and updates confuse people. Celebrities help simplify the message. When a known face explains or uses a product naturally, it feels less technical. And more usable. This clarity improves confidence during purchase.  

Now, let’s explore some of OnePlus’s most impactful campaigns and the brand ambassadors who played a key role in helping the brand connect with Indian consumers and stay relevant in the market.  

Best OnePlus Celebrity Brand Endorsements in India Till 2025 

1. Shahid Kapoor & Mira Kapoor x OnePlus - StayConnectedStaySmarter 

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Xiaomi’s “Stay Connected. Stay Smarter.” ad featuring Shahid Kapoor and Mira Kapoor focuses on the smart connectivity of OnePlus TVs and how they integrate with other OnePlus devices in everyday home life. In the film, Mira uses her OnePlus TV, smartphone, smartwatch, and earbuds together while Shahid gently reminds her to enjoy the festive moment with family, ending with voice control and seamless interaction across devices.  

OnePlus chose Shahid and Mira because they are a relatable celebrity couple with strong mass appeal, and their natural on-screen chemistry makes the ad feel warm and engaging. Their presence helped the campaign connect with family audiences and tech-savvy buyers by showing smart home tech in a simple, friendly way that resonates with everyday life.   

2. Amitabh Bachchan x OnePlus as a Brand Ambassador

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OnePlus’s campaign with Amitabh Bachchan saw the legendary actor step in as the brand’s first official ambassador in India, where he appeared in ads tied to the OnePlus 3T and other flagship launches. In the campaign, Bachchan brought his iconic voice and presence to explain the phone’s strengths and engage audiences through a game-show-style narrative that highlighted user choice and product performance.  

OnePlus chose Amitabh Bachchan because he is one of India’s most respected and trusted figures, with broad appeal across age groups. His involvement helped the brand move beyond niche tech circles into mainstream awareness. Bachchan’s credibility made the message feel reliable and memorable, helping OnePlus connect with a wider audience and reinforce its premium yet relatable image in India’s smartphone market.   

3. Jackie Shroff x One Plus - Light a Light, Plant a Plant

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OnePlus’s “Light a Light, Plant a Plant” ad featuring Jackie Shroff focused on spreading a simple message of positivity and environment care during Diwali. The film shows Jackie encouraging people to light lamps, celebrate mindfully, and plant trees, tying in OnePlus’s support for sustainable values in a festive context. The ad wasn’t about a specific product but about connecting the brand with meaningful moments.  

OnePlus chose Jackie Shroff because of his iconic presence and wide mass appeal across generations. His warm voice and familiar face made the message feel genuine and heartfelt. This helped OnePlus connect emotionally with its audience, especially those who value tradition, family, and responsible living, making the brand feel more human and relatable.  

4. The Power On. Limits Off Campaign with Celebrities and Influencers

1. Jasprit Bumrah

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OnePlus’s “Power On. Limits Off” campaign featuring Jasprit Bumrah highlights performance and resilience. In the ad, Bumrah trains hard, pushes his limits, and stays focused on improvement, while the campaign ties this spirit to OnePlus phones that deliver fast performance, reliable power, and smooth user experience. The message shows that both the athlete and the device are built for peak performance in demanding situations.

OnePlus chose Jasprit Bumrah for his calm yet powerful image and strong appeal among young, performance-driven audiences. His dedication and discipline reflect the brand’s focus on speed and efficiency. This helped OnePlus connect with buyers who value strength, reliability, and real performance in their smartphones.

2. Smriti Mandhana

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OnePlus’s “Power On. Limits Off” campaign featuring Smriti Mandhana celebrates performance and breaking barriers. In the ad, Smriti is shown in action–training, pushing limits, and staying focused on her goals–while the campaign connects her drive with OnePlus phones that offer fast performance, seamless multitasking, and reliable power for daily life. The overall tone is about confidence, strength, and keeping up with life without compromise.

OnePlus chose Smriti Mandhana for her inspiring presence and strong appeal among young, active users. Her passion and perseverance match the brand’s message of performance and resilience. This helped OnePlus connect with audiences who admire ambition and want a phone that supports their lifestyle without slowing them down.

3. Jonathan Gaming

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OnePlus’s “Power On. Limits Off” campaign featuring Jonathan Gaming focuses on peak performance and an uninterrupted digital experience. In the ad, Jonathan is shown gaming intensely, pushing his skills, and staying in the zone without glitches or lag, while the OnePlus device delivers fast speed, long battery life, and smooth gameplay. The campaign highlights how the phone can keep up with demanding users and digital lifestyles.

OnePlus chose Jonathan Gaming because he represents the gaming community and young digital users who value speed and performance. His presence helped OnePlus connect with gamers and tech-savvy audiences who want a device that supports high-intensity use without compromise.

4. Armaan Malik

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OnePlus’s “Power On. Limits Off” campaign featuring Armaan Malik highlights the brand’s focus on performance, creativity, and everyday power. In the ad, Armaan uses his OnePlus device in different moments–creating music, connecting with fans, and managing life on the go–while the phone’s speed, seamless multitasking, and lasting battery keep up with his pace. The message shows that the device supports both work and passion without slowing down. 

OnePlus chose Armaan Malik for his creative energy and strong appeal among young audiences. His presence helped the brand resonate with users who see their phone as a tool for expression, daily productivity, and effortless living, making the campaign feel relatable and inspiring.

5. Kush Maini

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Xiaomi’s “Power On. Limits Off” campaign with Kush Maini highlights personal drive and performance under pressure, mirroring the spirit of OnePlus devices that are built for speed and endurance. In the campaign’s film, Kush reflects on his journey as a racing driver, the discipline it takes to push forward, and how consistent effort makes a difference–tying that mindset to the performance and reliability of OnePlus phones.

OnePlus chose Kush Maini because he represents ambition and high-performance in motorsport, which resonates with users who value strong performance in their tech. His presence helped the brand connect with young, aspirational buyers who admire discipline, focus, and ability to perform under pressure.

6. Nitanshi Goel

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OnePlus’s “Power On. Limits Off” campaign featuring Nitanshi Goel focuses on youthful ambition and effortless performance. In the ad, Nitanshi showcases her active lifestyle, from everyday tasks to creative moments, while the OnePlus device stays fast, responsive, and supportive throughout her day. The film highlights how the phone keeps up with both work and play without lag or compromise, making performance feel simple and natural.  

OnePlus chose Nitanshi Goel for her vibrant energy and strong connection with young, digitally active audiences. Her presence helped the brand reach trend-driven users who value speed, style, and reliability in their tech, making the message relatable to those who live life on the move.  

How Celebrities Enhanced OnePlus’s Brand Perception?

OnePlus entered India as a performance-focused smartphone brand. Early users loved the speed and clean software. But as competition increased, specs alone were not enough. Celebrity marketing helped OnePlus evolve its image. Not by shouting. But by showing how the brand fits into everyday life. 

Here’s how celebrities played a key role in shaping how OnePlus is seen across India.

1. Stronger Recall in a Crowded Smartphone Market

India’s smartphone market is packed with similar-looking devices and similar promises. Celebrities helped OnePlus cut through this clutter. A familiar face made ads easier to notice and remember. Over time, people started linking OnePlus with the personalities they saw repeatedly. This improved brand recall across cities and regions. And recall matters when buyers compare multiple phones before making a choice.

2. Improved Visibility Beyond Core Tech Users

Earlier, OnePlus mostly spoke to tech enthusiasts. Celebrity campaigns helped the brand reach beyond that circle. Actors, sportspersons, and creators brought the brand into mainstream conversations. Suddenly, OnePlus was not just a “tech brand.” It became part of pop culture and daily discussions. This wider visibility helped the brand grow faster in non-metro markets and family households.

3. Shift From Pure Tech to Lifestyle Branding

Celebrity storytelling changed how OnePlus was positioned. Ads focused less on numbers and more on moments. Music, sports, family time, and personal goals became part of the narrative. This shift made OnePlus feel like a lifestyle companion, not just a device. People started seeing the phone as something that fits their routines and passions. And that emotional layer strengthened brand perception.

4. Aspirational, But Still Easy to Relate To

OnePlus chose celebrities who felt successful yet grounded. This balance mattered. The brand looked aspirational, but not distant. Buyers could admire the lifestyle shown in the ads while still seeing themselves in it. This approach worked well in India, where aspiration drives purchase decisions. OnePlus didn’t look out of reach. It looked achievable.

5. Built Trust Through Consistent and Meaningful Faces

Trust grows with familiarity. OnePlus didn’t switch faces randomly. It built associations over time. Celebrities known for discipline, creativity, and consistency reflected the brand’s values. This helped build confidence among buyers, especially those upgrading to premium phones for the first time. The message felt steady. And steady brands feel reliable.

Get Famous Celebrities to Promote Your Smartphone Brand!

Want your smartphone brand to get noticed in a crowded market?
The right celebrity endorsement can add trust and visibility without feeling forced. With smart brand advertising, a well-matched brand ambassador helps explain your product and connect with real buyers. 

And when done right, brand promotion feels natural, not loud. Let’s help you find a celebrity who fits your brand story and speaks to the audience you want to reach.