MAM
‘Fair and Lovely’ gets 1st Duryodhan award in TV ad category
It’s not quite the Razzies that “celebrates” Hollywood’s worst but the Maharashtra State Commission for Women (MSCW) offered its own “roll of dishonour” at an award ceremony in Mumbai yesterday.
Hindustan Levers’ advertisement for its fairness cream ‘Fair and Lovely’ was adjudged the most gender-insensitive and bagged the distinction of being the first ever recipient of the Duryodhan Award in the television ad category. The Amitabh Bachchan starrer Aks and Govinda’s Amdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiya bagged the Rakshasa and Duryodhana Awards, being the most violent and gender-insensitive films, respectively.
The winners were chosen by a jury comprising advocate Indira Jaisingh (chairperson), vice-chancellor of SNDT Women’s university Roopa Shah, filmmaker Kavita Chaudhary and Mumbai commissioner of police MN Singh.
Announcing the final awards, Jaisingh was quoted as saying “The Fair and Lovely” advertisement suffered from a colour complex (naturally one would think since it extols the virtues of a fairness cream). Jaisingh said such ads propagate the myth that a woman has to be beautiful in order to be successful or find a suitable match.
“If using fairness creams could help us in securing jobs, there would be a mad rush for these creams and unemployment in the country would soon be over,” she said.
The awards were part of the MSCW’s Foundation Day celebrations.
Amdani… reportedly “won” because it used crude humour to imply that women were meant to be kicked around. The film also preached chauvinism and implied that a man felt threatened by an independent woman.
MSCW instituted the awards to highlight the problems associated with the stereotyping of women in films, commodification of their bodies and glorification of violence and crime in the media.
There was a positive note to the proceedings though. A special jury award to the critically-acclaimed film Chandni Bar for its sensitive portrayal of the lives of bar dancers.
MAM
Kalyan Jewellers launches Nimah Collection campaign
New temple-inspired jewellery range stars Sreeleela and Kalyani Priyadarshan.
MUMBAI: Kalyan Jewellers has given temple jewellery a cinematic glow-up and this time, it’s sparkling with star power and storytelling. The leading jewellery brand has unveiled a new campaign for its Nimah Collection, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan and featuring brand ambassadors Sreeleela and Kalyani Priyadarshan. Built around the powerful idea of “A Legacy You Wear”, the campaign presents a cinematic celebration of India’s rich temple jewellery traditions, positioning them as timeless expressions of identity, strength, and artistry.
The film brings mythology and classical performance together in a fresh narrative. Sreeleela’s character embodies strength and discipline, moving from archery to classical dance, with bold temple jewellery accentuating her power. In contrast, Kalyani Priyadarshan’s portrayal explores introspection and creativity through music and writing, highlighted by finer detailing and understated elegance. Together, the two personas showcase the Nimah collection as heritage jewellery that remains relevant across generations.
The Nimah range draws inspiration from South Indian temple jewellery and features intricate Nakashi (hand-carved) work. It includes statement bridal necklaces and haarams, temple-inspired chokers, earrings, jhumkas, rings, and chains perfect for both bridal and festive occasions.
Every piece in the collection comes with Kalyan Jewellers’ trusted 4-Level Assurance Certificate, guaranteeing purity, free lifetime maintenance, and transparent buy-back policies.
The campaign is now live across digital platforms, and the Nimah collection is available at Kalyan Jewellers showrooms nationwide.
In a market often crowded with glitter, Kalyan Jewellers has chosen to shine through meaningful storytelling. With “A Legacy You Wear,” the brand reminds us that the most beautiful jewellery doesn’t just adorn, it carries stories, culture, and timeless elegance forward.
