We are very pleased to announce the appointment of celebrities Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal as PADI AmbassaDivers™. This initiative marks a collaborative effort to promote environmental stewardship of the world’s oceans.
Sonakshi Sinha, a distinguished figure in Indian cinema and a recipient of numerous accolades, has also been recognized for her contributions to animal welfare, earning the title of PETA Indian of the Year in 2022. She loves nothing more than unwinding by escaping into nature and disconnecting from her phone.
Zaheer Iqbal, an actor and businessman also from India, shares a similar passion for ocean conservation. Alongside his cinematic achievements, Iqbal’s advocacy for environmental issues has been notable. Both Sinha and Iqbal are PADI Advanced Open Water Divers, demonstrating their dedication to underwater exploration and conservation.
The PADI AmbassaDiver initiative is designed to engage influential figures in promoting scuba diving, freediving, mermaiding and ocean conservation. According to Julie Andersen, Senior Director of Brand for PADI Worldwide, the selection of Ms. Sinha and Mr. Iqbal as AmbassaDivers aligns with their longstanding commitment to protecting marine environments. “A PADI AmbassaDiver is someone passionate about using their force for good to encourage others to protect our shared blue planet,” says Andersen. “We could not have found more respected and authentic partners as Ms. Sinha and Mr. Iqbal, both long-time ocean lovers who are dedicated to advancing our shared mission of creating positive ocean change. They are shining examples of how to protect what you love – and inspire others to do the same.”
Both Sinha and Iqbal have demonstrated a profound connection with the ocean. Sinha’s journey in diving began with snorkeling, leading to her PADI Open Water Diver certification. Her diving experiences span diverse locations, including the Seychelles, the Red Sea, the Great Barrier Reef, and India’s Andaman Islands. When discussing scuba diving, Sinha remarks, “It was love at first dive, and my love for the ocean has only gotten deeper with time. Ever since my first dive, I’ve been on a quest to become a better diver and explore more depths. It’s amazing becoming a PADI AmbassaDiver because it’s for something I love so deeply. I will do my best to encourage more people to dive and get to know the ocean better!”
Iqbal, echoing Sinha’s sentiments, expresses a deep appreciation for the tranquility and beauty of the underwater world. His involvement in the PADI AmbassaDiver program is seen as an opportunity to further his exploration and contribute to ocean conservation. “Diving into great depths is an exhilarating experience,” says Iqbal. “It unveils a world of beauty, mystery, and a sense of incredible calmness – as well as a realization of what ‘vast’ truly means. It’s peaceful observing nature below the surface and I am honored to become a PADI AmbassaDiver. I now have the opportunity to dive into a realm of endless wonder and I hope that more people take the opportunity to dive and learn more about the beautiful world beneath the surface.”
With a combined social media following of 30 million, Sinha and Iqbal’s influence extends beyond the cinematic sphere. Their recent collaboration in the Hindi comedy film DoubleXL, alongside their PADI roles, positions them as prominent advocates in the global effort to protect the oceans. Their participation in PADI’s mission is expected to encourage more individuals to engage in scuba diving and ocean conservation.
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