Nationwide Unveils New Ad Featuring Sanjaya

Design your own Sanjaya look at Sanjaya-ize.com

Nationwide Insurance^® unveiled its newest Life Comes at You Fast ad, featuring former American Idol contestant Sanjaya Malakar. In the tradition of Kevin Federline, Fabio and MC Hammer, Sanjaya becomes the latest celebrity to poke fun at himself in one of Nationwide’s commercials. A new microsite allows fans to upload a personal image and create their own "Sanjaya" look using the Nationwide Sanjaya widget.

In the ad, Sanjaya visits India to seek advice from a wise man who tells him he needs a retirement plan – and a haircut. Sanjaya sports a hairstyle similar to the ones he made famous on American Idol (Season 6).The ad also appeals to younger audiences, reminding them to start planning for retirement now, even if it seems a long way off.

“I think the TV ad turned out really funny,” said Malakar. “I know from personal experience that Life Comes at You Fast. I went from being an unknown singer to appearing before of millions of people as an American Idol contestant. Now I am doing a commercial for Nationwide Insurance. I’m excited to see what happens next in my career.”

Check out Sanjaya-ize.com

At www.Sanjaya-ize.com, fans can upload a picture and try on various hairstyles, outfits and accessories worn by Sanjaya in the new ads and on American Idol. When their look is complete, fans can share it with friends and family.

The ad featuring Sanjaya is one of six new spots designed to reach South Asian-American audiences.