Bollywood icon Aamir Khan has broken his silence on his endorsement of Dream11, defending the move amidst criticism and questions about the ethics of promoting fantasy sports platforms.
The ad, which featured Khan alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Indian cricket stars like Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rishabh Pant, drew backlash from some fans who were surprised to see the actor — known for turning down endorsements of alcohol and tobacco — appear in a campaign for a gaming app. Speaking in a chat interview with Zoom, Khan offered candid insights into why he took on the campaign.
“If it’s legal, then let me do it too”
Aamir Khan, long recognized for his cautious approach to brand endorsements, emphasized that legality is his key benchmark when considering partnerships.
“If the product is illegal, then ban it — then we won’t make any ads for it. But if it’s legal, then let me do it too.”
Fantasy sports apps like Dream11 operate legally in most Indian states but remain under scrutiny due to their perceived proximity to gambling.
“The script for Dream11 was so good”
Khan said his decision to appear in the Dream11 ad came down to the creativity of the campaign, which won him over despite his typically strict endorsement guidelines.
“I have refused alcohol and tobacco. Recently, I did Dream11, so people asked me, ‘You refused alcohol and tobacco, then why Dream11?’”
“But the script for Dream11 was so good. I couldn’t say no to it.”
“I laughed so much after I read that ad. I was certain that I wanted to do it.”
Creative integrity over commercial gain
The “Lagaan” and “Dangal” star has built a reputation for being selective with his brand deals, often walking away from high-paying offers that don’t align with his personal standards. At the heart of his decision-making process is product honesty and creative value.
“I always check that the product is delivering what they have promised.”
Khan also clarified that he typically avoids pushing product pricing in campaigns — a line he rarely crosses, unless the concept truly stands out.
“Sometimes, I break my own principle. For example, I never announce the price of the product that I am endorsing because I am not a salesman. I am a brand ambassador. I can talk about your brand but not about it’s price.”
“Once, I broke that rule and spoke about price as well. This was during ‘Chota Coke’ for Rs 5. Because I really liked its story. It was so creative that I compromised.”
Why this endorsement matters
Aamir Khan’s partnership with Dream11 underscores a broader tension in celebrity endorsements — where legality, public perception, and creative appeal often collide. His comments during the Zoom interview highlight how India’s evolving fantasy sports ecosystem is pushing brands to seek mainstream validation, even from stars known for their integrity.
For Khan, the decision wasn’t about compromising his principles, but about aligning with a product that met his standards of legality, delivery, and storytelling.
And in an age where celebrity endorsements can sway public opinion and policy discussions alike, Khan’s defense of Dream11 marks a significant moment in the intersection of Bollywood, branding, and the booming fantasy sports industry.
