IPL 2010: Coach spoof starring Shah Rukh

City boy directs KKR boss in ads mocking multiple-captain theory

Shah Rukh Khan has fallen back on a Calcuttan to call the shots not only on the field but also on the sets.

City boy Bauddhayan Mukherji earned King Khan’s vote of confidence to wield the megaphone in a series of Nokia commercials starring him along with Team Knight Riders, and spoofing sacked coach John Buchanan’s multiple-captain theory.

The former student of South Point and St Xavier’s had directed Shah Rukh in a Nokia ad before but it was apparently different this time because of the KKR link.

“This time it was the owner of KKR meeting one of his team’s biggest fans,” smiled Bauddhayan, better known as Buddy in advertising circles and feted internationally for his Bell Bajao campaign against domestic violence.

Viewers may connect quicker with his cheeky Amul Macho “twaing hai” ad, though.

Buddy’s Little Lamb Films has produced three ad films for Nokia. “Given KKR’s sterling performance last year, there is a lot of talk about the team’s showing,” said Viral Oza, the head of activation, media and online marketing at Nokia India, tongue firmly in cheek.

“We, Indians, have a point of view on everything, from running a country to a cricket team. So we thought of reaching out to them for advice,” he added.

Nokia’s brief to Buddy was “KKR needs everyone’s help”.

The Main Bhi Coach campaign shows the fan on the street instructing Team KKR based on his or her core competence — with disastrous consequences, of course. In the end, the beaten cricketers wonder: “Isko coach kisne banaya re? (Who made him the coach?)”

Then in walks Shah Rukh, declaring:“Maine, kyunki mujhe chahiye purey India ki expert advice (I did, because I want entire India’s expert advice).”

“Shah Rukh was the butt of the jokes, but he took it sportingly. He is an amazing team man in the way he contributes to the shot and helps his co-actors,” recalled Bauddhayan.

Actor and director even sat down for a heart-to-heart on KKR. “We agreed not to be bothered about the results, though we shouldn’t go down without a fight. Last year’s 95 all out mustn’t happen again.”

If Buddy has one regret, it’s Dada’s absence on the sets, thanks to the Vijay Hazare final.