Previously, we have seen how Fabindia’s new festival collection, named as Jashan-E-Riwaz, created controversy around the brand. Many people trolled the brand for hurting Hindu religious sentiments. People even made boycott India trend for a few hours. Many Twitter users have expressed their disappointment and called out the brands for bringing secularism to the promotion of their products.
With just a week after that, one more brand has fallen into similar controversy. The brand CEAT Tyre has created a new ad for promoting its products. Brands often onboard famous film stars and sports stars to promote their new line of products. Similarly, CEAT Tyre’s also onboarded famous Bollywood actor Amir Khan for their new ad.
The CEAT tires released two ads featuring the actor, Amir Khan. Both of the ads have landed in controversy. We all know that the Diwali festival is coming near. Every brand is creating its ads around the festivals trying to get maximum exposure. Unfortunately, CEAT too created both of the ads around Diwali and crackers. Unlike the company’s expectations, the ads were interpreted differently. Many people termed the ads as anti-Hindu and disrespectful towards the Hindu religion.
Well, if you haven’t seen the ads, then you should it out. You will understand where the company went wrong. Both the ads are not more than 2 minutes but both of them went in the wrong way. The brand CEAT is a well-reputed tires company in India. India is a combination of many religions and people. So being negative towards any religion will seriously impact the brand and its products.
Though the company’s intention was different, the overall message didn’t sit well with many internet users. Initially, the ad shows Amir Khan educating people to not firecrackers on roads. Then it says till we become smart like this use CEAT tires. Where it shows Amir Khan and others firing crackers on roads. Which could be interpreted as “we’re not smart because we’re celebrating Diwali on roads”
Many people have accused the brand of hurting Hindu sentiments. Some even stated that commenting on Hindu religion and festivals has become a common theme among brands. First Alia Bhatt bridal wear ad, Fabindia terming Diwali as Jash-e-riwaz, and now CEAT Tyres calling people not smart. What’s odd is that the common thing among these ads using religion for their promotions. Religion and politics are sensitive topics in any state. So brands should pay more attention before creating such ads.
Initially, it was highlighted by BJP MP Anantkumar Hegde, who wrote a letter to the company’s MD and CEO. In the letter, he requested company officials to take action against the ad, creating “unrest among the Hindus”. He further expressed his disappointment with the amir khan ad and urged company officials to respect the Hindu Sentiment in the future.
Currently, the news has become a hot topic on social media. The brand Ceat is getting the same kind of treatment from Twitter users as the previous brands Fabindia and Mohey fashions received. Let’s see what actions the company takes to settle this matter. If you don’t want to miss out on such hot topics then don’t forget to subscribe.
