AU Small Finance Bank Names Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna as New Brand Ambassadors

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, December 5th 2025 at 9:03 GMT by Business Today
      Locale: INDIA

AU Small Finance Bank Names Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna as New Brand Ambassadors

In a bold move that underscores its ambition to become a household name in India’s rapidly expanding banking sector, AU Small Finance Bank (AU Bank) announced on Tuesday that acclaimed Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor and rising star Rashmika Mandanna will serve as the institution’s newest brand ambassadors. The partnership—revealed in a joint press release issued by the bank’s corporate communications team and highlighted in Business Today’s feature—signals a fresh strategy to engage a younger, digitally‑savvy audience while reinforcing the bank’s reputation for inclusive financial services.

Why Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna?

Ranbir Kapoor – With a filmography that spans drama, romance, and action, Kapoor’s appeal extends across India’s diverse demographic. His recent roles in Laal Singh Chaddha (2022) and The White Tiger (2021) earned him critical acclaim and a global fan base. Beyond cinema, Kapoor is recognized for his philanthropic efforts, especially in education and rural development. His image—youthful yet mature—fits perfectly with AU Bank’s mission to support “every step of a person’s life journey.”

Rashmika Mandanna – A prolific presence in Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi cinema, Mandanna’s charisma and relatable persona have captivated millions. Her breakout performance in K.G.F: Chapter 2 (2022) propelled her to national stardom. Mandanna’s social‑media influence—particularly on Instagram and TikTok—makes her an ideal ambassador for a bank looking to strengthen its digital footprint.

According to AU Bank’s Chief Marketing Officer, Arun K. Sharma, the choice of both actors was driven by “their ability to resonate with young professionals, students, and families—our core segments—while embodying values such as trust, progress, and social responsibility.”

Campaign Objectives and Reach

The collaboration will launch a multi‑channel advertising campaign titled “Grow With AU”, slated to roll out across TV, print, outdoor media, and, most importantly, digital platforms. The campaign’s key objectives include:

1. Brand Awareness – Leveraging the actors’ fan bases to amplify AU Bank’s presence in metros and tier‑II cities where the bank’s customer acquisition has been growing at 35% year‑on‑year.
2. Product Promotion – Spotlighting the bank’s flagship savings accounts, instant personal loans, and the new AU Digital Wallet designed to streamline transactions for millennials.
3. Trust Building – Showcasing stories of ordinary citizens who have benefited from AU Bank’s micro‑credit facilities, underscoring the institution’s commitment to financial inclusion.

The advertisements will feature Kapoor and Mandanna in scenarios that mirror everyday banking needs—opening a savings account, applying for a home loan, or using the digital wallet to pay for groceries. The messaging is crafted to be simple, relatable, and aspirational.

Financial and Strategic Context

AU Bank, part of the Aurangabad‑based Aurangabad Unico Group, has been a standout performer in the small‑finance sector. According to the bank’s Q3 FY 2025 financial results, it recorded:

• Assets – ₹32,450 crore (up 28% YoY)
• Deposits – ₹29,200 crore (up 34% YoY)
• Credit Portfolio – ₹25,000 crore (with a 2.5% NPA ratio, below the industry average)

The bank’s “Inclusive Growth” strategy has focused on expanding its branch network, adopting digital banking tools, and collaborating with local micro‑enterprises. The recent endorsement deal is seen as a natural extension of this strategy, aimed at capturing a larger share of the emerging “millennial borrower” segment.

Celebrity Endorsement in Indian Banking: A Growing Trend

AU Bank is not alone in employing high‑profile ambassadors. In 2024, several small‑finance banks—such as FC India and Indus Small Finance—tapped Bollywood actors to promote digital lending and financial literacy. These partnerships have generally resulted in measurable spikes in brand recall and online inquiries.

“Celebrity endorsements act as a bridge between traditional banking and the new digital generation,” noted Dr. Suman Mehta, a financial‑marketing analyst at Market Research India. “When a beloved actor endorses a product, it humanizes the brand and reduces the perceived risk among first‑time users.”

The Roll‑Out and Future Plans

The “Grow With AU” campaign is scheduled to launch in the last quarter of 2025, with the first television spot airing during the popular Hindi film K.G.F: Chapter 3’s premiere. Digital content will accompany the TV rollout, featuring behind‑the‑scenes footage, interactive quizzes about financial literacy, and exclusive offers for new account openings.

AU Bank has also hinted at a series of community‑based initiatives in partnership with the ambassadors. These include:

• Financial Literacy Workshops in partnership with local NGOs, led by Mandanna and Kapoor.
• Micro‑enterprise Grants for women entrepreneurs, promoted through a social‑media challenge spearheaded by the actors.
• Sustainability Campaigns where the ambassadors visit AU Bank’s eco‑friendly branch designs.

Conclusion

By aligning itself with two of India’s most dynamic young actors, AU Small Finance Bank is poised to deepen its engagement with a critical growth market. The partnership not only capitalizes on the actors’ star power but also reinforces the bank’s core values of trust, inclusivity, and community empowerment. As the “Grow With AU” campaign rolls out, industry watchers will be keen to see whether this celebrity‑led push translates into increased deposits, loan disbursements, and, ultimately, a stronger market share in India’s competitive small‑finance landscape.

Source: Business Today – “AU Small Finance Bank signs Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna as brand ambassadors” (12 Dec 2025)