PUMA Brings Together Ibrahim Ali Khan and Shanaya Kapoor for Vibrant Palermo Sneaker Campaign

Fresh Faces Unite for a Youthful Fashion Film

PUMA India unveils a lively new campaign featuring Ibrahim Ali Khan and Shanaya Kapoor, marking their first on-screen appearance together. The spotlight is on the iconic Puma Palermo Sneaker with a playful, fashion-forward film that captures themes of friendship, frugality, and flair. The young Bollywood duo adds a dose of Gen Z charm, chemistry, and creativity, making this campaign effortlessly relatable.

A Slice-of-Life Story Celebrating Gen Z Spirit

In this two-minute spot, PUMA paints a picture of young India with cinematic charm and youthful chaos. Ibrahim, fresh from his appearance in Nadaaniyan, shares scenes with Shanaya as they navigate daily life through clever workarounds and heartfelt moments. From upcycling an old PUMA jacket to hitchhiking to save money, and even transforming a bedsheet into a rooftop movie screen, the film celebrates resourcefulness with style. The mood is pure jugaad—joyful, improvised, and fashionably fun.

Palermo From Terrace Football to Urban Statement

Rooted in terrace football heritage, the Palermo trainer—with its signature T-toe design and gum sole—has evolved into a symbol of self-expression and rebellion. Now, it stands as an urban staple for India’s youth. The film uses this footwear icon to reflect identity, hustle, and individuality.

Stars Reflect on Realness and Style

Speaking about the campaign, Ibrahim says, “This film is all about hustle and heart. It mirrors how our generation rolls. PUMA nailed the everyday vibe and made it feel cool and authentic.”

Shanaya adds, “What I love is how real everything feels. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about personality. Shooting this film was like one big hangout. The Palermo just clicked with the vibe—effortless, fun, and full of character.”

Palermo 2.0 Elevates PUMA’s Youth-Centric Vision

The new campaign builds on the success of Palermo’s India debut in 2024, a vibrant film set in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Shillong that introduced Ibrahim as one of PUMA’s youth ambassadors. Palermo 2.0 pushes the narrative further, blending crisp aesthetics with scenes that resemble social media stories.

Celebrating Culture, Creativity, and Community

According to Shreya Sachdev, Marketing Director at PUMA India, the campaign stays true to the brand’s core: “PUMA stands at the intersection of global relevance and local culture. With Palermo, we celebrate India’s spirit of resilience, creativity, and joy in everyday moments.”

New Sneaker Drop and Changing Strategy

The campaign aligns with a new Puma Palermo Sneaker drop, including bold new colourways and a Palermo Premium line crafted in luxe all-leather. As PUMA pivots its ambassador strategy following Virat Kohli’s exit, it embraces a fresh wave of youth icons to stay culturally relevant and appealing to the next generation.

Riding the Wave of India’s Booming Sportswear Market

India’s sportswear segment, now valued at over ₹65,000 crore ($8 billion), continues to expand rapidly. PUMA stands toe-to-toe with global giants like Nike and Adidas, as well as Indian challengers such as HRX and Campus. Through this campaign, PUMA reinforces its place at the heart of youth culture—bold, spirited, and authentically Indian.