Nationwide announced today that the next star of the Life Comes at You Fast advertising campaign is Sanjaya Malakar, former contestant on "American Idol." Sanjaya will follow in the footsteps of Kevin Federline, Fabio and MC Hammer, who appeared in previous Life Comes at You Fast commercials.
"I'm thrilled to star in one of Nationwide’s Life Comes at You Fast ads, because I really love the campaign," said Malakar. “My experience on American Idol is a great example of how life really does come at you fast. The ad is a funny take on the serious subject of planning for retirement."
In the spot, Sanjaya visits a monastery in India to seek advice and he is told that he needs a retirement plan, and some work on his hair.
Following is a Q & A with former American Idol contestant, Sanjaya Malakar. Following in the footsteps of Kevin Federline, Fabio and MC Hammer, Sanjaya will star in a new Life Comes at You Fast Ad for Nationwide.
Q. What made you want to star in the new ad for Nationwide
Sanjaya:
I’ve always liked Nationwide’s ads because I think they are really funny and they have a good message – be prepared for your life to change in the future. The point of the ad is that you have to have a plan for your retirement, which I think is important. Nationwide came up with a concept that I liked a lot. They’re trying to reach Americans of South Asian descent with this ad, but I think everyone will think it’s funny.
Q. The theme of the new Nationwide ad is "Life Comes at You Fast." How have you experienced that in your life?
Sanjaya:
American Idol was like a dream come true. When I started, nobody knew who I was. I was just one of the thousands of people with a dream who took a shot. As the season progressed more and more people began to recognize me. It was great to get so much support from fans. The show opened a lot of doors for me. Now I’m looking forward to the next stage of my career. It’s really exciting. I don’t know exactly what will happen, but there are some great possibilities.
Q. What’s next for Sanjaya?
Sanjaya:
I’ve got big plans. I just moved to New York and I’m so excited to be living there. I’m looking forward to pursuing some opportunities in acting and modeling. I’m also beginning work on a new album that will be released later this year. I can’t wait for fans to hear it.
I’m looking forward to showing the world a whole new Sanjaya. American Idol was great, but I think there’s a lot more to me than what you saw on the show. The Nationwide commercial is the first of many exciting projects I have planned.
Q. Will we see the crazy hair again?
Sanjaya:
Actually – you will see it in the Nationwide ad. It certainly got people’s attention on American Idol so hopefully it helps generate more buzz about the new ad.
Q. Why did Nationwide choose you for the ad?
Sanjaya:
Through my experience on American Idol, nobody knows better than me that Life Comes at You Fast. Nationwide wants to reach Americans of South Asian descent, and obviously that’s me. I have a lot of fans in the Indian community and I think they thought I would be a good fit.
Behind-the-scenes video:
Superadgrunts, check out prior spots featuring KFed, Fabio and MC Hammer:
Nationwide - Rollin' VIP/Kevin Federline (2007) 0:30 (USA)
Adland® is a commercial-laden heaven and hell for advertising addicts around the world.
This advertising publication was founded in 1996, built on beer and bravery, Adland® now boasts the largest super bowl commercials collection in the world.
Adland® survives on your donations alone. You can help us out by buying us a Ko-Fi. Adland® works best in Brave browser
