MUMBAI: Imran Khan has joined the elite club of actors to endorse for a cola. The actor has been signed by Coca Cola and is part of the young brigade to woo generation next to drink the cola. The commercial has hit television screens today.

Talking about the ad, the youngest Khan in tinsel town tells Businessofcinema.com, "We shot this ad almost a month ago in Mumbai. Incidentally I shot for it on my birthday, so it makes the deal all the more special." Special it is for Imran, as only successful actors or potential stars are signed to do coke commercials. While Ranbir Kapoor is part of Pepsi’s Gen Next brigade, Coca Cola signed Imran.

The pairing of this ad is also unique. Imran is seen paired up with Kalki Koechelin of Dev D fame in this commercial. Says a source, "Getting a coke ad is significant to being announced that you have reached the top bracket. And though Imran has had mixed fortunes at the box office with his debut film, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Ya being a huge hit, while his last two, Kidnap and Luck failed, Imran is perceived as an actor with oodles of talent. And getting this ad has just reinforced this belief."

Imran is doubly pleased about his first commercial. The actor has a few strong beliefs and shooting for this ad on his birthday was one such thing. He said, "This is the fourth year running that I’ve shot on my birthday. Just something I like to do."

For Imran’s next release, he has Dharma Productions’ I Hate Luv Storys with Sonam Kapoor, that is being directed by debutant, Puneet Malhotra. This film is already being touted as a biggie and Imran can only hope that it realizes its potential amongst his fans.