Celebrity endorsements are very popular and, to some extent, also effective. However, it is not uncommon for these celebrities to get involved in controversies as a result of promoting questionable products or disapproving messages.
In the past, few Bollywood actors participated in disturbing advertisements, which got them in trouble.
1. Akshay Kumar for Vimal
Akshay Kumar recently became a Vimal brand ambassador, following in the footsteps of Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan. People weren’t happy with this choice, considering that the actor had already spoken out against actors endorsing Ban Masala.
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2. Saif Ali Khan on the authority of Ban Bahr
For a long time, Bollywood celebrities have endorsed “ban masala products” through alternative products, and the list also includes Saif Ali Khan. In fact, the Delhi government wrote to the actor in 2015, urging him to stop promoting the product.
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3. Yami Gautam in Fair and Lovely
Cream Fairness Fair & Lovely, as well as its brand ambassador Yami Gautam, have previously been accused of promoting color and racism. After the backlash, the brand pulled the word “fair” from its name and replaced it with “glow.”
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4. SRK of justice and the handsome
In a similar vein, SRK has been criticized for endorsing men’s fair and handsome cream brand, Fair and Handsome. “If it was a legal product and was available in the market, I would never question it,” the representative said in response to the uproar.
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5. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan for Kalyan Jewellery
Activists have criticized Aishwarya Rai Bachchan for appearing in a “racist” advertisement for the jewelry brand. The ad shows the actress lying under an umbrella carrying a “dark-skinned slave boy” over her head, according to the message.
6. Sana Khan on Amul Macho
Sana Khan appeared in a men’s underwear ad, which was criticized for exposing unwanted, excessive sex scenes. The ad sparked a lot of criticism and was eventually removed.
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7. Madhu Sapre and Milind Soman for Tuff
Filming an advertisement for Madhu Sapre and Milind Soman for Tuff in 1995 caused quite a stir among viewers. They stood naked, with only a pair of shoes on their feet and a snake wrapped around their bodies, causing outrage throughout the country.
8. Ranveer Singh on Jack and Jones
With an unpleasant font, Ranveer Singh stood with a woman lying on his shoulder, hinting that women are just things. The sexual tone of Jack and Jones’ ad sparked controversy.
9. Sachin Tendulkar for Paytm
Paytm’s ad, which depicts a child, (presumably) young Sachin Tendulkar being beaten, has been heavily criticized on social media. The problematic message portrayed in the ad caused viewers to express their displeasure.
Slapped a child in an inexcusable ad with a super status. Patient. Cheering and supporting the team is not a bad thing. It’s called sportsmanship. What a horrific announcement. Shockingly bad message. Is that what you want to teach children? Or maybe I did not understand? 🤔 https://t.co/KeYI12z5I5
– Kunal Kohli September 23, 2020
10. Hema Malini for Kent RO
An advertisement for Kent’s Atta & Bread Maker urged people to purchase a tool that would allow them to knead dough without having to use their hands. Several people on social media have criticized the campaign, accusing the brand of being “classified”.
Please accept our sincere apologies for posting the Kent Atta & Bread Maker ad. It was inadvertently reported but incorrectly and has been withdrawn. We support and respect all segments of society.
Mahesh Gupta, Chairman of the Board of Directors
– Kent Roe (@entKentROSystems) May 27, 2020
11. Pierce Brosnan on Ban Bahr
Many Indians were outraged by Pierce Brosnan’s appearance in the Ban Bahar campaign, wondering why he was advocating a cancer-causing substance. However, the actor eventually admitted to Indian authorities that he had been “tricked” by a mouth freshener company that hired him to sell their product.
Like a moth to a flame, some of the celebrity endorsements drew the ire of viewers.
