There is something very crass about watching Amitabh Bachchan trying to convince us that Navratna Tel is the best. I can understand him endorsing cars, watches, men’s clothing, but why does he have to degrade himself by endorsing Hajmola and Rin washing powder?
Film stars and cricketers always grab eyeballs in India. No wonder they are the favourites when it comes to brand endorsements. Last few years have seen a big jump in the use of movie and cricket stars as brand ambassadors. One just has to turn on the TV and the mug of a famous movie/cricket star looks back trying to convince us that his/her brand is the best.
I have no problems with that but it seems very funny sometimes to see somebody endorsing a product which we know they will never use themselves. Some more cases in point :-
Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor endorsing hair removal creams – Honestly girls! You really expect us to believe that you use them?
Saif Ali Khan endorsing Taj Mahal Tea – Remember the ad where he teaches a bunch of swooning women how to make the perfect cup of tea?
Shahrukh Khan endorsing Santro cars – Yes I can so believe you drive them SRK!
Shahrukh Khan endorsing Fair & Handsome – How could you?
Zaheer Khan endorsing Anchor Switches – Really now!
Kareena Kapoor endorsing Kurkure – Yes sweetie, we know that Kurkure is the reason behind your Size Zero figure.
Kareena Kapoor endorsing Boro Plus – It wouldn’t be so funny if she didn’t say in her interviews that she only uses imported brands.
Karishma Kapoor endorsing Shakti Bhog Atta – Why Karishma why?
Asin and Dhoni endorsing Big Bazaar – So believable, isn’t it?
I wonder why corporates are willing to shell out crores of money just to get a celebrity to say “I use this brand!”, never mind if their brand has any connect with the celebrity or not. And celebrities are willing to endorse anything that comes their way. Don’t they realize that to make a fast buck they are degrading themselves in the eyes of their fans? They get paid in crores anyways. At least they should try and match the brands to their personas.
So AB and SRK, please leave Navratna Tel for Govinda. Let us look up to you as we have always done.
