Prahlad Kakkar, one of the most celebrated ad filmmakers of India, is known for creating some of the most iconic television commercials of the 1990s. His work blended humor, creativity and star power, capturing the imagination of an entire generation. Over the years, Prahlad Kakkar has worked with legends from the worlds of cinema and sports but one story that continues to stand out for him involves two of India’s biggest icons — Sachin Tendulkar and Shah Rukh Khan — and a clever twist that came straight from Sachin Tendulkar himself.
In a recent conversation, Prahlad Kakkar looked back at the making of the 1999 Pepsi commercial featuring Sachin Tendulkar and Shah Rukh Khan. The ad became one of the most memorable campaigns of its time, especially because of its playful mix of cricket and Bollywood. But what most people do not know is that the funniest and most unexpected twist of the ad was actually Sachin’s own idea.
Prahlad Kakkar recalled that when he first began working with Sachin Tendulkar, the cricket star was extremely shy and reserved. Being a “Marathi manus” by nature, Sachin took time to open up during shoots. But once he grew comfortable, his creativity started to shine through. Prahlad Kakkar remembered that Sachin began suggesting small changes to scripts that often turned out to be brilliant.
The ad in question featured Shah Rukh Khan dressed up as Sachin to sneak into the Indian cricket team’s dressing room and grab a few free Pepsis. The team, led by then-captain Mohammad Azharuddin, mistakes him for the real Sachin and sends him out to bat. The terrified Shah Rukh, still in disguise, nervously walks toward the field as the real Sachin suddenly appears, creating a hilarious mix-up.
Originally, the script had Sachin Tendulkar picking up the bat and heading out to play after the reveal but Little Master felt that the ending could be more fun and unexpected. He suggested that instead of going out to bat, he should take a Pepsi, relax and let Shah Rukh handle the chaos. Prahlad Kakkar and his team immediately loved the idea and reworked the scene. The result was comedy gold, a perfect ending that captured Sachin’s mischievous charm and the spirit of the Pepsi brand.
Prahlad Kakkar said the moment reflected Sachin’s quiet intelligence and growing confidence off the field. It showed a side of the cricket legend that fans rarely saw — playful, witty and instinctively creative. The ad not only became a massive hit but also helped popularise Pepsi’s now-legendary slogan, “Yeh Dil Maange More”.
If you can’t recall the ad or wish to rewatch it, here you go:
Click to watch this video directly on YouTube
Decades later, the commercial still holds a special place in the hearts of fans, representing a golden era where cricket, cinema and advertising came together seamlessly.
For Prahlad Kakkar, that day on set remains unforgettable, a reminder that even the calmest of legends can have a brilliant creative spark waiting to surprise everyone.
