Bipasha Basu‘s controversial advertising campaigns in India have sparked intense debates and discussions about the limits of marketing in a culturally diverse society. With various high-profile figures participating, these ads have not only raised eyebrows but have also ignited outrage and legal battles.
One of the most notorious advertisements featured Milind Soman and Madhu Sapre in 1995. The print ad for Tuffs Shoes portrayed the supermodel couple entwined with a python while wearing nothing but shoes, leading to a public outcry. The controversy escalated to legal action against the advertising agency and the magazines that printed the ad. Animal rights activists even stepped in, filing a case under the Wildlife Protection Act, claiming illegal use of the python and animal cruelty. This saga dragged on for 14 years, highlighting the deep-seated issues surrounding animal rights in advertising.
In the late 90s, another scandal erupted with an ad featuring Bipasha Basu and Dino Morea for Cadila, a Swiss-based innerwear brand. The ad depicted Dino pulling down Bipasha’s underwear with his teeth, which many considered highly inappropriate. The portrayal drew sharp criticism from political figures and women’s organizations in Maharashtra, leading to the ad being taken down. This incident reflects the ongoing struggle between creative expression in advertising and societal values.
Fast forward to 2011, when Virat Kohli and Genelia D’Souza became the faces of a Fastrack campaign that showcased them in a cockpit, with D’Souza playing an air hostess and Kohli as the pilot. This ad came under fire for seemingly trivializing safety protocols in aviation, with critics arguing that it endangered passengers’ lives.
Continuing this trend, the controversial advertising narrative does not end here. Early in her career, actress Deepti Bhatnagar also faced backlash for a condom ad, which was ultimately pulled for its explicit content. This incident resonates with similar issues across various sectors, showing that even in food and drink commercials, there have been instances of raunchy advertising that have provoked public disapproval, such as Padma Laxmi’s Hardee burger ad in 2009.
These instances illustrate a broader theme within the Indian advertising landscape, where the balancing act between creative freedom and the responsibilities towards societal norms often results in outrage and legal challenges. As Bipasha Basu navigated her career from modeling to acting, her involvement in controversial campaigns raises crucial questions about ethical advertising practices and societal boundaries, urging a more thoughtful approach in the industry moving forward.
