Kids
Pika-boost for Titans as Pokémon powers up 2025 fan experience
MUMBAI: Gotta catch that crowd! The Gujarat Titans got a supercharged fan boost this IPL season courtesy of Pokémon. As part of an electrifying tie-up for the 2025 league, Pikachu turned up in full Titans gear, spreading sparks from grassroots warm-ups to stadium selfies. The yellow mascot didn’t just show up he showed out. Ahead of the season, Pokémon integrated with the franchise’s Junior Titans programme, a unique under-14 initiative held across five cities in Gujarat. The big moment? A surprise visit by Pikachu himself at the Ahmedabad centre, leading warm-up drills to the upbeat rhythm of Japan’s Radio Taiso Number One, much to the delight of the young cricketers.
During the league, Pokémon took over the Narendra Modi Stadium, with a vibrant booth drawing in over 42,000 visitors across seven home matches. Kids collected free Pikachu stickers, posed for photos with the mascot, and watched their yellow hero dance and dazzle in a Gujarat Titans jersey.
Some lucky fans from the Junior Titans squad were also invited to meet Pikachu on game day, a crossover moment that blurred the lines between fantasy and fandom.
“From the Junior Titans initiative to in-stadium experiences, young fans were excited to interact with Pikachu in Gujarat Titans colours,” said Gujarat Titans COO Colonel Arvinder Singh. “It added a unique dimension to our 2025 campaign.”
The action spilled beyond the pitch. At Nexus One mall in Ahmedabad, Pokémon hosted a ‘Pokémon Fiesta’, featuring dance shows and games, while Pokémon GO players spotted Gujarat Titans logos on in-game Poké Stops across the city.
The Pokémon Company corporate officer Susumu Fukunaga noted: “We were able to tap into a new audience we hadn’t reached before. From young cricketers to fans in Ahmedabad, the response was energising.”
With the Titans reaching the Playoffs, and Pikachu stealing hearts at every turn, this unexpected collab proved one thing: cricket and cartoons make a shockingly good team.
Kids
Sony YAY! launches ‘House of Masti’ to celebrate 20 years of Shin chan
Comedian Kiku Sharda joins the fun with a special rap track as the mischievous icon returns to Indian TV.
MUMBAI: Shin chan is back and this time, he’s bringing the whole house of masti with him! Sony YAY!, India’s leading kids’ entertainment channel, has unveiled ‘House of Masti’, a specially curated programming block to mark 20 years of the iconic animated series Shin chan on Indian television. The campaign transforms the beloved character’s mischievous world into a fresh, high-energy viewing experience. It features new episodes, fan-favourite moments, and themed programming stunts, all designed to stand out from regular broadcasts.
Adding extra sparkle to the celebration, popular comedian Kiku Sharda has joined the campaign. He anchors the integration with a lively rap track titled ‘Shin chan ka YAY! Dhamaal’, infusing contemporary music and humour into the beloved series.
Sony YAY! business head of kids and animation Ambesh Tiwari said, “Over the past 20 years, Shin chan has built a strong and enduring connection with audiences in India. With ‘House of Masti’, we are celebrating this milestone through a differentiated, campaign-led experience. Kiku Sharda and the rap track add a fun, high-energy layer that will resonate with today’s kids and families.”
Starting 27 April, viewers can enjoy the World Television Premiere of Shin chan along with new episodes and an exciting lineup of blockbuster movies on Sony YAY!.
By blending nostalgia with fresh, engaging content, Sony YAY! is ensuring that the cheeky, laughter-filled adventures of Shin chan continue to entertain and connect with new generations across the country.
In a world full of serious cartoons, Shin chan remains delightfully naughty and with ‘House of Masti’, Sony YAY! is making sure his brand of chaos stays as fresh and fun as ever. Get ready for some serious masti!
