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Controversial Brand Endorsements: Stars receive obloquy!!
As Aishwarya's jewellery ad has been receiving flak for being racist there have been similar episodes in the past, where the celebrity endorsing a brand landed himself into a controversy, let's check out few similar scenarios...
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The racist ad 'Aishwarya Rai Bachchan'
The recent event of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's print commercial for a jewellery brand, created a hue and cry, which depicted a dark-skinned child holding an umbrella over her head in a newspaper ad. Social activists furious with the ad, pointed out that it was 'racist' and promoted child labour.
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The unzip Akshay Kumar
The macho man Akshay Kumar is also on the list as the star sparked controversy during a fashion week in March 2009, the star walked the ramp for a renowned denim brand. But the controversial part was when Akshay walked up to his wife Twinkle Khanna, who unbuttoned his pants. The couple and the Brand received flak for the 'offensive' act. Also the social worker filled a case of 'obscenity' against the actor.
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The 'Unclad' Milind Soman and Madhu Sapre
The supermodel's of the 90's, Madhu Sapre and Milind Soman shot for a shoe commercial in 1995. The duo posed nude for the shot with a python wrapped around their bodies. This ad created rage among women and animal rights activists across the country. Demonstrations were staged outside the supermodels houses and also some of the protesters donated clothes to them.
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Big B's 'Fizzy Drink'
The superstar revealed about ending his contract with a cola brand after a school girl in Jaipur questioned his endorsement choices. He said the girl had asked why he promoted the soft drink that her teacher termed as poison. His confession sent netizens into a tizzy as they criticised him for making the decision after having 'pocketed Rs.24 crore for the ad' and at a time when the 'contract was coming to an end.'
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The sensuous couple Arbaaz and Malaika
The sexy couple, Arbaaz and Malaika Arora Khan had shot a coffee commercial in 1993, but to their horror the ad came under the scanner as it showed the couple getting too cosy. Many felt their expressions were too suggestive and obscene while the tagline — Real pleasure can't come in an 'instant' - was deemed misleading. Post a series of legal proceedings, the advertisement was banned.
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The Dark and Beautiful - King Khan
Few years back, King Khan aka Shah Rukh Khan found himself at the receiving end for endorsing a skin lightening product. An online campaign titled 'Dark and Beautiful' urged the star and the brand to stop promoting and encouraging fairness creams.
