MUMBAI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has bowled fans over with a unique culture campaign that’s as sweet as it is smart. In a bid to make Kannada more accessible to non-native speakers, the team has launched an initiative combining cricket, language, and the irresistible charm of jilebis.

Long perceived as complex by non-south Indians, Kannada gets a sugary makeover with RCB turning the traditional sweet into a cultural connector. The campaign flips a common online trope about south Indian scripts being confusing by using jilebis shaped like Kannada words—offering fans a delightful way to 'taste the language'.

These limited-edition Kannada jilebis are available exclusively at the RCB Bar and Café in Bengaluru from 8 to 11 April. Each pack unlocks a series of beginner-friendly Kannada lessons on RCB’s Youtube channel, featuring popular players like Virat Kohli, Tim David, and Yash Dayal.

As a bonus, RCB is sponsoring free Kannada classes for 1,000 fans, who can claim or gift the sessions by simply emailing 'Jilebi Kodi'.

“As someone who grew up in Bengaluru, it’s really special to see the language being celebrated like this,” said RCB batter Devdutt Padikkal. “It’s not just about Kannada, it’s about making everyone feel at home in the city, and I’m glad to play a small part in helping fans connect more deeply with the city and our team.”

The campaign has received love from fans across the spectrum for creatively promoting inclusivity and regional identity.

Kannada actor and cultural icon Shiva Rajkumar shared, “This initiative by RCB is close to my heart. It brings people together, not just to learn Kannada, but to experience the warmth of our city. The campaign is a beautiful way to connect fans with our culture, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

RCB COO Rajesh Menon said, “What makes RCB truly special is the unwavering support of our fans - no matter where they come from or what language they speak. This campaign is our tribute to Bengaluru, a city that has embraced people from across the country with open arms. By creating jilebis inspired by the elegance of the Kannada script, we’re inviting everyone to savour the rich culture of our home city - quite literally. It’s a bold and heartfelt gesture to surprise our fans and deepen their connection with the team.”