The action-packed ad for the new Karizma XMR Combat edition bridges the gap between past and present, with Hrithik Roshan leading the charge once again.

Hero MotoCorp has reignited memories and engines alike with its latest campaign for the Karizma XMR Combat edition, bringing back Hrithik Roshan in a cinematic tribute to the bike that once defined aspirational motorcycling in India.

Set in a high-stakes urban chase, the film opens with sirens and chaos — until Roshan enters astride the new Karizma, effortlessly navigating traffic and bringing a dramatic car pursuit to a stylish close. When offered a police ride, he grins and declines: “Nah, this is too much fun.”

The ad is more than a visual spectacle. Roshan narrates a monologue that touches on speed, freedom, and legacy – tying back to his original role as Karizma’s ambassador in 2003, when the bike first launched under the Hero Honda badge. That campaign, featuring a young Hrithik casually lifting his cap in a Western-style saloon, became iconic for a generation.

Over the years, the Karizma evolved through versions like the R and ZMR, before fading from showrooms in 2019. Yet, its cult following never waned.

Hero revived the legacy in 2023 with the Karizma XMR 210, and Roshan returned to the saddle – reinforcing his association with the brand. Commenting on the 2023 campaign, Kartik Smetacek, CCO of L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, noted:
“Hrithik and Karizma are synonymous. The challenge was to reignite the bond without letting nostalgia overshadow innovation.”

With the Combat edition, Hero balances performance upgrades – including golden USD forks, a TFT display, and a sleek, familiar silhouette – with emotional storytelling that connects with both legacy fans and new riders.

By blending modern engineering with a powerful emotional recall, Hero has crafted more than an ad – it’s a generational handshake. For those who once dreamed of owning the Karizma, and for new riders seeking thrill with heritage, the ride continues.