Former Indian Army Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, who previously served as ADC to President Droupadi Murmu, has embarked on a surprising career transition into the world of style and apparel. Having caught widespread public attention after opting for premature retirement (PMR) from military service at just 30 years of age, Sambyal has now made a formal foray into commercial fashion and streetwear. The former officer, who built a strong digital presence around fitness and personal discipline, is now applying that public profile to the lifestyle sector.
Collaborating With Luxury Streetwear Label
Sambyal has partnered with Mumbai based luxury streetwear label Bonkers Corner for an exclusive collection titled ‘MAJ RISHABH (RETD.) X BONKERS’. The promotional campaign has been rolled out across the brand website and official social media platforms. The campaign visual assets prominently feature Sambyal alongside 24-year-old actress and brand ambassador Anushka Sen, drawing significant traction and viewer engagement online.
From NDA Cadet to Elite Special Forces Operator
Hailing from a Dogra Rajput military family in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, Sambyal entered the armed forces after completing his training at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 2013. Across an active service career spanning approximately 12 years, he was initially commissioned into the Jat Regiment. During the 2021 Republic Day parade, he led the contingent that was awarded the title of Best Marching Contingent.
He later qualified for and joined the Indian Army elite 4 Para Special Forces, also known as the Daggers, earning the coveted Balidan Badge awarded to elite operatives. In March 2023, Sambyal was appointed as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President of India. He eventually chose to seek early release from active service on account of personal and family responsibilities.
The Core Message and Campaign Personalities
Following his departure from the military, Sambyal engaged in motivational speaking and digital content production. In this latest brand outing with Bonkers Corner, he appears alongside Anushka Sen, Shark Tank India investor Namita Thapar, and company founder Shubham Gupta.
The central theme of the promotional campaign is ‘Kamai Ka Phal, Udhaar Ka Nahi’, a concept designed to highlight genuine hard work and personal accomplishment while pushing back against counterfeit merchandise. Sambyal confident presentation and bearing throughout the shoot have led many online followers to suggest potential acting opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Fusing Military Discipline With Modern Apparel
The collaboration pairs elite military precision and attitude with commercial youth fashion, aiming to establish a distinct identity within India growing streetwear ecosystem. Bonkers Corner, an enterprise backed through Shark Tank India, regularly enlists prominent contemporary personalities to front its lines. Enlisting a decorated former special operations officer serves as a calculated move to engage younger consumers looking for an authentic blend of structured discipline and modern casual aesthetics.
