Yes, you heard it right. This week, the familiar face of Parle-G‘s iconic girl took a temporary break from its biscuit packets. It has been replaced by the adorable face of the content creator Zervaan J Bunshah. The internet went wild when Parle-G, responding to Bunshah’s viral video, playfully featured his smiling image on their packaging. Another day on the internet, friends, just another day on the internet.
How did it all start?
Bunshah entered the heart of Parle-G with a viral video that showcased his comedic prowess. Seated in his car with a confused expression and the ‘Ae Jee Oo Jee‘ tune from ‘Ram Lakhan‘ playing in the background, he posed a (very important) question to his audience: “If you meet the owner of Parle, do you call him Parle sir, Mr. Parle, or Parle G?” The video caught the attention of Parle-G, and a lighthearted exchange ensued.
How did Parle-G respond?
Parle-G’s official Instagram account responded to Bunshah’s Reel with a touch of humor, playfully dubbing themselves the “OG” (Original Gangster). The interaction didn’t stop there.
In a surprising move, Parle-G decided to take the banter to the next level by replacing their iconic girl on the biscuit wrapper with a beaming image of Bunshah himself. The caption invited followers to enjoy Parle-G biscuits while they pondered what to call the owner.
Bunshah, overwhelmed by the unexpected recognition, shared his childhood memories of relishing Parle-G biscuits, hilariously attributing his consumption to a quest for increased intelligence. Didn’t we all, Bunshah, didn’t we all!
But this wasn’t the first time!
This story follows a pattern set by Bunshah in a previous interaction with Lay’s, where his humorous take on the new, changed flavor of Lay’s Magic Masala variant went viral. Expressing his displeasure in a video that garnered 7.1 million views, he played a pivotal role in bringing attention to the snack’s flavor change.
Lay’s, responding to Bunshah’s concerns, assured him that the original Magic Masala flavor would return soon, clarifying that the criticized variant was a limited edition. Lo and behold, his influence worked and within, Lay’s India was seen collaborating with Bunshah on announcing the return of the original Magic Masala flavor.
Who is Zervaan Bunshah?
Zervaan J Bunshah’s journey into the world of digital fame has been on a roll in 2023. Originally a theater actor and vocal artist, he transitioned into content creation in the last few years, with a unique focus on showcasing the Parsi community of India. In a recent chat with a digital magazine, this 29-year-old shared, “It took me 2 years, and I feel I am still not viral enough. I am putting in my hard work, so maybe 2 more years may do the trick?” Zervaan has always emphasized the importance of understanding the audience and tailoring content to their preferences to stay relevant and grow.
Bunshah has also been honest in shedding light on the often-overlooked challenges, including creative blocks, changing algorithms, and the complicated process of working with brands. Collaborating with brands, he explained, requires navigating the delicate balance between creativity and the intended communication of the brand, a process that can come with its own set of challenges.
What makes him special?
Known for his diverse characters, including the SoBo boy, NoBo aunty, Gujju tour guide, Bandra girl, Bandra boy, Pali bros, and Parsi matchmaker, Bunshah keeps his content engaging and relatable. His approach to character creation involves ambiguity, allowing audiences to develop theories and interpretations. Engaging actively with viewers in the comments section, he expressed a genuine desire to connect with those who invest time in interacting with his content.
Zervaan J Bunshah has emerged as a new-age influencer that allows brands to organically connect with younger, newer audiences. His Instagram video content, marked by humor, relatability, and a meme-like virality, highlights the evolving landscape of influencer marketing. Gone are the days of shout-outs and links in bios.
In a world where trends come and go, Bunshah’s specific brand of humor continues to stand out for both audiences and brands alike, making him a viral sensation worth watching out for. This temporary makeover of Parle-G’s packaging serves not just as a playful gimmick but as a testament to the power of creating online trends – not just following them.
