List of advertising campaigns causing controversy in India

This is a list of controversial advertisements in India and Indian community.

2015

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In April, Kalyan Jewellers pulled off a poster ad featuring Indian actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The ad was said to be racist against black people.[1][2]

2017

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  • In September, during Navratri, a condom ad featuring actress Sunny Leone caused outrage in Gujarat.[3][4]
  • In September, an Australian ad depicting Indian god Ganesha with lamb caused major controversy in nation.[5][6]
  • In November, food delivery service Zomato pulled off several banners from various cities featuring two dominant Hindi profanities.[7]

2020

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In October, Tanishq removes a 43-second ad from its social media accounts. The ad was allegedly promoting "love-jihad".[8][9]

References

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  1. ^ "Kalyan Jewellers pulls "racist", "slave-child" ad with Aishwarya Rai". Reuters. 2015-04-23. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  2. ^ "Aishwarya Rai 'racist' jewellery ad withdrawn in India". BBC News. 2015-04-23. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  3. ^ "Sunny Leone's condom ad hoarding linked to Navratri stirs controversy in Surat". The Indian Express. 2017-09-19. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  4. ^ "Why Sunny Leone may be justified in saying 'khelo magar pyar se' in her condom ad". India Today. 19 September 2017. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  5. ^ Meade, Amanda (2017-09-06). "Lamb ad insensitive and disrespectful, say Hindus and Anglicans". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  6. ^ "India complains to Australia over 'offensive' advert showing Hindu god eating meat". The Independent. 2017-09-11. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  7. ^ "Zomato apologises after latest 'MC BC' ad goes viral, generating mixed reactions". The Indian Express. 2017-11-30. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  8. ^ "Tanishq: Jewellery ad on interfaith couple withdrawn after outrage". BBC News. 2020-10-13. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  9. ^ "Jewelry Ad Featuring Interfaith Couple Sparks Outrage in India". The New York Times. 2020-10-13. Retrieved 2023-08-12.