Randeep Hooda has always worn his roots with pride. He repeatedly speaks about where he comes from. He chooses stories that reflect lived realities. The actor has consistently championed regional cultures, languages, and identities on both Indian and global stages. Hooda never dilutes his origin to pursue scale. He has long believed that authenticity gives storytelling its power. This deeply ingrained philosophy naturally extends as he joins STAGE as its brand ambassador.
India’s OTT landscape is rapidly redefining what “mainstream” looks like. Hooda’s association with a platform focused on Haryanvi, Rajasthani, and Bhojpuri storytelling feels instinctive. It is not transactional. The collaboration reflects a shared belief that stories rooted in one’s mother tongue can be aspirational, premium and globally resonant. With over 5.5 million paying subscribers across North India, STAGE’s growing audience highlights a cultural shift. Hooda has long advocated for regional stories to find their rightful place in popular culture.
More than a celebrity association, the partnership is driven by a common commitment to preserving and celebrating linguistic identity. Founded in 2019 in Indore and now headquartered in Noida, STAGE has steadily built a content library. It spans original films, series, and micro-dramas. This library carves out space for voices and narratives often overlooked by mainstream entertainment ecosystems.
Randeep Hooda is one of the true shapeshifters of Indian cinema. He has built an enviable body of work across several films. These include Highway, Sarbjit, CAT, and Extraction. He consistently chooses characters that are grounded, raw, and reflective of real India. Speaking about the association, Hooda shared that the decision felt deeply personal. “I’ve always believed in embracing your roots as we move forward with time. For me, language and culture are not limitations. They are strengths that shape who we are. They also influence how we see the world. The narratives that stay with us the longest are the ones that sound familiar. They feel lived-in and come from a place of truth. Associating with storytelling that honours regional languages and cultural identity feels deeply personal to me, because it reflects the values I’ve always carried with me”
As part of the association, Hooda will front integrated campaigns across digital, social, television, and outdoor platforms. He will also champion the platform’s TV app. This reinforces his belief that storytelling, especially in regional languages, thrives when experienced collectively in Indian homes.
Looking ahead to 2026, the platform’s upcoming slate includes several titles. Some of these are Jaan Legi Sonam (Bhojpuri), Videshi Bahu (Haryanvi), and Kayantar (Rajasthani). It also features returning audience favourites like Punarjanam, Mahapunarjanam, and Mokhan Vahini. Its two-minute micro-dramas continue to stand out as a unique format in the regional OTT space.
STAGE already has Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra associated with the platform. With Randeep Hooda joining the fold, it brings together individuals who represent excellence. They do this without disconnecting from their origins. The platform has over 200 million speakers across its core language markets. Its growth mirrors a larger movement. Hooda has long embodied this movement, where regional voices are no longer peripheral. They are central to India’s evolving entertainment story.
Unsung bollywood 